The effects of post‐transgression remorse on perceived aggression, attributions of intent, and level of punishment

The actions of two boys were described as they used a rope to trip a little girl. In a 2 × 2 design the post‐transgression verbal responses of one of the boys (expression of remorse or pleasure) and the severity of harm done to the girl (slight or severe) were manipulated. The perceptions, attributions of responsibility, and degree of punishment assigned to the transgressors were affected by both factors. Expressions of remorse softened the perceived aggressiveness of the verbal boy, reduced the degree of intent attributed to him, lowered the probability associated with the predicted likelihood of repeating the action, and lightened the punishment assigned to him. A contrast effect occurred on perceived aggression with the silent boy perceived as more aggressive in the remorse condition and less aggressive in the condition in which the verbal boy expressed pleasure in hurting the little girl. These results support the view that perceived aggression implies antinormative conduct and is associated with blame and retribution. Post‐transgression responses such as expressed remorse or guilt may be learned as suggested by Aronfreed (1968) as a way of mitigating punishment for doing harm to others. The fact that remorse seems to work in lessening the negative reactions of others suggests that such behaviour is usually rewarded.