Date of Graduation
5-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Sociology (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Sociology and Criminology
Advisor/Mentor
Corbett, Christianne
Committee Member
Allison, Kayla
Second Committee Member
Eidelman, Scott
Keywords
Competence; Experimental Sociology; Harm; Sabotage; Self-determination Theory; Social Psychology
Abstract
Harmful behavior ranges from subtle acts such as social exclusion to overt forms of aggression. A substantial amount of research has explored the consequences for victims of harm but far less research has investigated potential psychological rewards that accrue to perpetrators of harm. This study helps fill this gap by exploring competence as a potential psychological reward from perpetrating harm. This study aims to test A) if threats to competence lead people to harm and B) as a central question, if people experience feelings of competence from harming others. To do this, I use experimental methods to manipulate competence between a contrast (competence?induced) and experimental (competence-threatened) condition, providing both groups with an opportunity to harm through sabotage. Results provide no support for either hypothesis and instead show a negative association between perpetration of harm and restoration of competence. Exploratory findings and future directions are discussed.
Citation
Freeman, C. C. (2026). Exploring Competence as a Psychological Reward from Harming Others. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/6276
