Reflecting on Identity-Change Facilitates Confession of Past Misdeeds

Helgason, B A and Berman, J Z (2022) Reflecting on Identity-Change Facilitates Confession of Past Misdeeds. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 151 (9). ISSN 0096-3445

Abstract

Across four studies (N = 3,351), we demonstrate that reflecting on identity-change increases confession and decreases justification of past misdeeds. Moreover, publicly communicating one’s identity-change to others increases confession above and beyond privately reflecting on identity-change. By severing their connection with their past self, individuals can admit to past a misdeed (“I did it”), while reducing their fear that doing so will implicate their present moral character (“But that’s not who I am anymore”).