Mechanisms of Moral Disengagement

Question 1

Moral Justification

Answer 1

Moral justification is the process of framing harmful or unethical behavior as serving a worthy or morally acceptable purpose, thereby making it seem justifiable.

Question 2

Euphemistic Labeling

Answer 2

Euphemistic labeling is the use of mild or sanitized language to disguise the harmful nature of unethical behavior, making it seem more acceptable or less severe.

Question 3

Advantageous Comparison

Answer 3

Advantageous comparison is the act of contrasting one’s unethical behavior with more egregious actions to make it appear less harmful or more acceptable by comparison.

Question 4

Displacement of Responsibility

Answer 4

Displacement of responsibility is the process of attributing one’s unethical actions to the directives or authority of others, thereby minimizing personal accountability.

Question 5

Diffusion of Responsibility

Answer 5

Diffusion of responsibility is the process of spreading accountability across a group, making individuals feel less personally responsible for unethical actions.

Question 6

Dehumanization

Answer 6

Dehumanization is the process of stripping others of human qualities or dignity, making it easier to justify treating them in cruel or unethical ways.

Question 7

Attribution of Blame

Answer 7

Attribution of blame is the act of assigning responsibility for one’s harmful behavior to the victim or circumstances, thereby excusing oneself from moral accountability.

Question 8

Distortion of Consequences

Answer 8

Distortion of consequences is the process of downplaying, ignoring, or misrepresenting the harm caused by one’s actions to reduce feelings of guilt or responsibility.

Question 9

Rationalizations

Answer 9

Rationalizations are self-serving justifications used to make unethical behavior seem acceptable or reasonable, often by aligning it with personal beliefs or goals.