The Effect of a Crisis on Emotions in Social Dilemma Settings

Abstract

In the past, research has considered what types of structures and settings influence cooperation and emotions in social dilemmas. However, there is little examination about how a crisis or change in the situation affects emotions. This study predicted that stronger emotions will form when groups are presented with a crisis versus emotions formed in groups that are not presented with a crisis. The groups were comprised of four individuals who participated in a public goods activity. Once group members finished the group activity, they completed a questionnaire measuring their emotions towards their group members. My hypothesis was supported; stronger emotions were present in the groups that were presented with a crisis versus the groups that were not presented with the crisis.