Date Available
4-10-2017
Year of Publication
2017
Document Type
Master's Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
College
Arts and Sciences
Department/School/Program
Psychology
Advisor
Dr. C. Nathan DeWall
Abstract
Men from a culture of honor often use physical aggression in response to threats as a way of restoring lost honor. These threats can range from being called an offensive name to someone flirting with their romantic partner. However, cultures of honor form to protect society against threats. Once society no longer needs protection, cultures of honor dissipate. In three studies, the protective qualities of a culture of honor were examined by comparing aggression levels when romantically attached men were threatened to when their significant other was threatened. Study 1 (N=114) consisted of hypothetical scenarios while Study 2 (N=260) and Study 3 (N=240) consisted of actual threats. Overall, men from cultures of honor used more aggression compared to men not from a culture of honor. The protective qualities of a culture of honor were inconclusive. Study 1 suggests that, in general, men use more aggression when protecting their significant other. Studies 2 and 3 found no difference in aggression. Aggression levels did not change when men were primed with thoughts of a violent society (Study 3).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
https://doi.org/10.13023/ETD.2017.066
Recommended Citation
Enjaian, Brian, "Are Cultures of Honor our True Protectors?" (2017). Theses and Dissertations--Psychology. 108.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/psychology_etds/108
