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Cited by 440

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 18 of the 18 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Proscriptive versus prescriptive morality: Two faces of moral regulation.

Open access
Janoff-Bulman, Ronnie, Sheikh, Sana, Hepp, Sebastian·2009·Journal of Personality and Social Psychology

Abstract

A distinction is made between two forms of morality on the basis of approach-avoidance differences in self-regulation. Prescriptive morality is sensitive to positive outcomes, activation-based, and focused on what we should do. Proscriptive morality is sensitive to negative outcomes, inhibition-based, and focused on what we should not do. Seven studies profile these two faces of morality, support their distinct motivational underpinnings, and provide evidence of moral asymmetry. Both are well-represented in individuals' moral repertoire and equivalent in terms of moral weight, but proscriptive morality is condemnatory and strict, whereas prescriptive morality is commendatory and not strict. More specifically, in these studies proscriptive morality was perceived as concrete, mandatory, and duty-based, whereas prescriptive morality was perceived as more abstract, discretionary, and based in duty or desire; proscriptive immorality resulted in greater blame, whereas prescriptive morality resulted in greater moral credit. Implications for broader social regulation, including cross-cultural differences and political orientation, are discussed.

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Crossref · 10.1037/a0013779

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Metadata

Authors
Janoff-Bulman, R., Sheikh, S., & Hepp, S.
Venue
Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
Published
2009-03
Volume
96
Issue
3
Pages
521-537
ISSN
  • 0022-3514 (ISSN-L)
  • 1939-1315
OpenAlex
W2140694938
Cited by
440
References
18
FWCI
7.77
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
green

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CoChat. (2026). Citation check: Proscriptive versus prescriptive morality: Two faces of moral regulation. https://app.cochat.ai/papers/10.1037/a0013779
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Janoff-Bulman, R., Sheikh, S., & Hepp, S. (2009). Proscriptive versus prescriptive morality: Two faces of moral regulation. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0013779

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