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Don't throw the baby out with the bathwater: Indulging in harmless pleasures can support self-regulation and foster cooperation

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  04 October 2023

Daniela Becker Open the ORCID record for Daniela Becker [Opens in a new window]  and
Katharina Bernecker Open the ORCID record for Katharina Bernecker [Opens in a new window]
Daniela Becker
Affiliation:
Social and Cultural Psychology, Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands Daniela.becker@ru.nl; https://www.ru.nl/personen/becker-d-daniela
Katharina Bernecker
Affiliation:
Psychology of Motivation, Volition, and Emotion, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland k.bernecker@psychologie.uzh.ch; https://www.psychology.uzh.ch/en/areas/sob/motivation/team/katharinabernecker.html
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Abstract

In this commentary we challenge Fitouchi et al.'s puritanical morality account by presenting evidence showing (1) that pursuing harmless pleasures can actually support self-regulation, and (2) that sharing pleasurable experiences can foster cooperation. We conclude that puritanical morality is not as adaptive as presented, and may even suppress the potential benefits pleasure can have for the individual and society.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 46 , 2023 , e295
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Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2023. Published by Cambridge University Press

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