Being Negatively Cued, are People Less Cooperative? The Influence of Watching Eyes on Cooperative Behavior

Evolutionary Psychology

article

Xiaoming Wang¹  Qinying Zhao²  Xiulin Bao¹  Yaru Wang¹  Xiuxin Wang¹ 

[1] School of Psychology, Qufu Normal University, Qufu City, Shandong Province;Student Affairs Office College Students Mental Health Education Center, Anyang Preschool Education College, Anyang City, Henan Province;Shengcheng Middle School, Shouguang City, Shandong Province

关键词: watching eyes;    cooperative behavior;    role of the decision maker;    positive emotion;    negative emotion;   

DOI  :  10.1177/14747049221140302

来源: Sage Journals

【 摘 要 】

In the course of human evolution, watching eyes have had an important influence on individual cooperative behavior. However, researchers have not explored how the valence of watching eyes affects cooperative behavior. Therefore, this study includes three studies to investigate the effect of watching eyes with different valences on cooperative behavior. The results showed that positive watching eyes (vs. negative watching eyes) induced positive emotions (PA) in the participants and thus increased their tendency to cooperate (Studies 1–2). The role of the decision maker (making decisions for oneself vs. making decisions on behalf of others) moderates the effect of watching eyes on cooperative behavior through emotion (Study 3). In conclusion, the valence of watching eyes significantly affects cooperation. This study not only further enriches research on environmental stimulation and cooperation but also provides inspiration and a reference for solving problems of cooperation in social dilemmas.

【 授权许可】

CC BY|CC BY-NC