Even the Downhearted may be Uplifted: Moral Elevation in the Daily Life of Clinically Depressed and Anxious Adults

Observing acts of virtue (e.g., generosity, courage) triggers moral elevation, an emotion characterized by a sense of feeling morally uplifted and inspired. Elevation triggers prosocial motivation and positive emotion, and may therefore bear relevance for disorders characterized by self-focus, interpersonal dysfunction, and distress (e.g., depression and anxiety disorders). The present study tested the interpersonal and emotional effects of elevation for ten days in clinically depressed and anxious individuals (N = 47). Multilevel models showed that on days that individuals experienced high elevation relative to their own average levels, they endorsed higher compassionate goals (striving to help others) and closeness to others, as well as lower interpersonal conflict and distress symptoms. In time-lagged analyses, elevation predicted residual increases in compassionate goals toward others on subsequent days and a six-week posttest. Moreover, most effects were not attributable to gender, dysphoric mood, or feeling competent. Thus, moral elevation may uniquely contribute to social and emotional functioning, even in clinically distressed individuals.