Egocentric reciprocity and the role of friendship and anger

In this research, we examine the phenomenon of egocentric reciprocity, where individuals protect self-interest by adopting an eye-for-an-eye strategy in negatively imbalanced exchanges, and by taking advantage of overly generous treatment in positively imbalanced exchanges. We conducted two experime...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of social psychology 2017-11, Vol.157 (6), p.720-735
Main Authors: Chen, Xiao-Ping, Eberly, Marion B., Bachrach, Daniel G., Wu, Keke, Qu, Qing
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anger
Behavioral responses
Closeness
Debt
Egocentric reciprocity
exchange imbalance
Female
Friends - psychology
Friendship
Humans
Interpersonal Relations
Male
Reciprocity
Self interest
Social Behavior
Social psychology
ultimatum experiments
Young Adult
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Summary:In this research, we examine the phenomenon of egocentric reciprocity, where individuals protect self-interest by adopting an eye-for-an-eye strategy in negatively imbalanced exchanges, and by taking advantage of overly generous treatment in positively imbalanced exchanges. We conducted two experiments using a modified ultimatum game examining attitudinal and behavioral responses to imbalanced exchanges. The experiments allowed us to explore the moderating role of relational closeness (i.e., whether the game partner was a friend or a stranger) and the mediating role of anger and indebtedness in these moderated relationships. Our results consistently demonstrate the phenomenon of egocentric reciprocity. Most importantly, this research reveals that friendship places a boundary on this egocentric tendency, and that the effects may partially be explained by anger experienced in response to exchange.
ISSN:0022-4545
1940-1183
DOI:10.1080/00224545.2017.1284739