Agency theory

Question 1

What is the agentic state?

Answer 1

We perceive ourselves to be the agent of someone else’s desires - authority figures commanding us is one responsible for what we do so dont feel guilty

Question 2

What is the autonomous state?

Answer 2

We perceive ourselves to be responsible for our own behaviour so we feel guilty for what we do

Question 3

What does an order from an authority figure cause?

Answer 3

Triggers the agentic shift into the agentic state

Question 4

Define moral strain:

Answer 4

When authoirty figured issue orders that go against iur conscience, we experience moral strain

This is bc we have 2 contradictory urges to obey authority figures + obey our conscience- keeping image as good person

Question 5

When experiencing moral strain, what defence mechanisms may people experience?

Answer 5

Denial, rationalisation, displacement

Question 6

What is denial?

Answer 6

Refusing to acknowledge harmful actions

Question 7

What is rationalisation?

Answer 7

Trying to make things logical to decrease guilt

Question 8

What is displacement?

Answer 8

Redirecting anger onto less threatening objects