Moral Disengagement Theory

Moral Disengagement Theory explains how people justify unethical behavior to avoid feeling guilty. It suggests they mentally sideline their moral standards through strategies like minimizing responsibility, distorting the consequences, or blaming others. This process allows individuals to act in ways they might normally consider wrong, without experiencing guilt or shame. The theory helps understand why otherwise decent people might engage in harmful actions, especially in group settings or situations that make unethical behavior seem acceptable or justified temporarily.