The Psychology of Excuses [How People Justify Hurting Others]

The video explores moral disengagement, a psychological phenomenon that allows individuals to justify unethical behavior while maintaining a positive self-image. Through the story of Sarah, a bullied student, the video illustrates eight forms of moral disengagement used by her bullies: moral justification, euphemistic labeling, advantageous comparison, displacement of responsibility, diffusion of responsibility, disregarding consequences, dehumanization, and attribution of blame. The teacher addresses these behaviors, emphasizing the importance of understanding moral disengagement to prevent violence and promote empathy. The theory, developed by Albert Bandura, highlights the need for self-sanctions to evaluate moral actions.

What is the primary function of moral disengagement as introduced in the video?

• To help individuals justify their actions while maintaining a positive self-image

• To promote empathy and understanding

• To encourage people to behave morally

• To provide a framework for understanding ethical behavior

Which form of moral disengagement involves framing harmful actions as a public service?

• Euphemistic labeling

• Moral justification

• Advantageous comparison

• Displacement of responsibility

How does Anna justify her actions in the video?

• By blaming the victim

• By saying everyone else was doing it

• By comparing her actions to worse behaviors

• By claiming she was following orders

What consequence did the teacher impose on the bullies?

• A public apology

• Detention for a month

• Suspension for a week and reflective homework

• A verbal warning

Who developed the theory of moral disengagement discussed in the video?

• Albert Bandura

• Jean Piaget

• Sigmund Freud

• B.F. Skinner