Characterizing Interpersonal Interactions That Elicit Elevation as a Moral Emotion: Evidence for an Interpersonal Exchange Framework

Catholic theological aesthetics asserts that love is beautiful and elicits a response of love. Psychological findings support this tradition, wherein witnessing acts of virtue elicits self-transcendence. In particular, elevation is experienced in response to witnessing acts of charity and kindness. Yet little is known about the interpersonal interactions in which individuals are directly involved that elicit elevation. In a qualitative study, participants (Person 1) were asked to describe interpersonal interactions in which they experienced elevation. A content analysis was conducted. Results demonstrate that the context prior to the interaction was frequently characterized by Person 1’s suffering. The person with whom they interacted, referred to as Person 2, was relational, validated their emotions and experiences, shared honestly, demonstrated care, provided beneficial help, and sought understanding. Such findings are interpreted as supportive of a new framework characterizing interpersonal interactions that elicit elevation as an exchange—authentic sharing and receiving—of needs, gifts, desires, and sufferings. It is argued that the framework is aligned with Catholic theology.