Theft by finding as a moral commitment problem? Exploring three possible routes to uncooperative choices

Introduction: In this paper, we aim to explain through what mechanisms young people have an increased likelihood of making uncooperative choices. Insights from evolutionary informed theorizing and moral psychology are combined under the umbrella of an integrated theoretical framework. We stress the importance of the moral compass as mediator in the relationship between personal, moral, social factors and failures to cooperate. The moral compass is a multi-dimensional construct defined as consisting of moral emotions and moral cognitions. Method: A large region-wide sample of adolescents (N=5272) was used to analyze whether anticipated moral emotions and moral norms mediate the effects of 1) empathy, 2) fear sensitivity and 3) perceived disapproval. Our propositions were tested in a full latent variable model within the framework of structural equation modelling. Visual scenarios depicting a temptation to steal a small amount of money were used to elicit participants’ self-reported behavioral tendencies. The results suggest that dimensions of the moral compass significantly reduce the likelihood of uncooperative choices. Results and conclusion: Evidence was found of full mediation for affective and cognitive empathy via the moral compass whereas only partial mediation was found for the effects of fear sensitivity and perceived disapproval. Potential avenues for further theoretical development of an integrated perspective on different routes to uncooperative choices are outlined.