Moral Identity Development and Positive Moral Emotions: Differences Involving Authentic and Hubristic Pride

Abstract

Research has repeatedly documented associations between moral identity and negative moral emotions (e.g., guilt) whereas the relationship between moral identity and positive moral emotions (e.g., pride) has rarely been investigated. This study examined relationships between moral identity and two forms of positive moral emotions, authentic and hubristic moral pride. For a sample of 216 Canadian adolescents and young adults (M = 17.72 years, SD = 3.65; 107 female), it was demonstrated that authentic and hubristic moral pride define two distinct aspects of positive moral emotions, which are differentially related to moral identity and moral motivation as well as prosocial and antisocial behavior. Moral identity internalization and internal moral motivation were positively associated with authentic pride whereas hubristic pride reflected a moral identity that was primarily concerned with demonstrating morality to others. Authentic pride positively predicted moral behavior whereas hubristic pride undermined it. No age-related differences for measures of moral identity or authentic and hubristic moral pride were found.