Higher cognitive ability linked to weaker moral foundations in UK adults

Zakharin, M., & Bates, T. C. (2025).

Intelligence, 111, 101930.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intell.2025.101930

Abstract

Existing research on the relationship between cognitive ability and moral foundations has yielded contradictory results. While some studies suggest that higher cognitive ability is associated with more enlightened moral intuitions, others indicate it may weaken moral foundations. To address this ambiguity, we conducted two studies (total N = 1320) using the Moral Foundations Questionnaire-2 (MFQ-2) with UK residents. Both Study 1 and Study 2 (preregistered) revealed negative links between cognitive ability and moral foundations. In Study 1, structural models showed negative links between general intelligence (g) and both binding (−0.24) and individualizing (−0.19) foundations. These findings replicated closely in Study 2, with similar coefficients (−0.25 and − 0.18, respectively). Higher verbal ability was specifically associated with lower purity scores. These findings suggest a negative association between cognitive ability and moral foundations, challenging existing theories relating to intelligence and moral intuitions. However, causal direction remains uncertain.

Highlights

• Tested association of intelligence and moral foundations.

• Higher ability linked to lower individualizing and binding.

• Lower Proportionality, Loyalty, Authority, and Purity.

• Lower Equality and Care.

• Verbal ability linked specifically to impurity.

• Replicated in pre-registered large study.

Here are some thoughts:

This research is significant for psychologists as it clarifies the complex relationship between intelligence and moral reasoning. The study found that higher general cognitive ability (g) is negatively associated with all six moral foundations—care, equality, proportionality, loyalty, authority, and purity—suggesting that greater analytical thinking may suppress intuitive moral responses rather than enhance them. This supports what the authors call the Morality Suppression Model , which proposes that higher cognitive ability weakens emotional-moral intuitions rather than reinforcing them. Importantly, the study replicates its findings in two large, independent samples using robust and validated tools like the Moral Foundations Questionnaire-2 (MFQ-2) and the International Cognitive Ability Resource (ICAR), making the results highly credible.

The findings challenge common assumptions that higher intelligence leads to stronger or more "enlightened" moral values. Instead, they show that higher intelligence correlates with a general weakening of moral intuitions across both liberal (individualizing) and conservative (binding) domains. For instance, verbal reasoning was specifically linked to lower endorsement of the purity foundation, suggesting that linguistic sophistication may lead individuals to question traditional norms related to bodily sanctity or self-restraint. These insights contribute to dual-process theories of cognition by showing that reflective thinking can override intuitive moral judgments.

Moreover, the research has implications for understanding ideological differences, as it counters the tendency to view those with opposing moral views as less intelligent. It also informs educational and policy-related efforts aimed at ethical reasoning, particularly in professions requiring high-level decision-making. By demonstrating that the relationship between cognitive ability and moral foundations is consistent across genders and replicated in preregistered studies, this work offers a solid empirical basis for future exploration into how cognitive processes shape moral values.

Could “The Wonder Equation” help us to be more ethical? A personal reflection

Somerville, M. A. (2021).

Ethics & Behavior, 32(3), 226–240.

https://doi.org/10.1080/10508422.2020.1867861

Abstract

This is a personal reflection on what I have learnt as an academic, researching, teaching and participating in the public square in Bioethics for over four decades. I describe a helix metaphor for understanding the evolution of values and the current “culture wars” between “progressive” and “conservative” values adherents, the uncertainty people’s “mixed values packages” engender, and disagreement in prioritizing individual rights and the “common good”. I propose, as a way forward, that individual and collective experiences of “amazement, wonder and awe” have the power to enrich our lives, help us to find meaning and sometimes to bridge the secular/religious divide and experience a shared moral universe. They can change our worldview, our decisions regarding values and ethics, and whether we live our lives mainly as just an individual – a “me” – or also as a member of a larger community – a “We”. I summarize in an equation – “The Wonder Equation” – what is necessary to reduce or resolve some current hostile values conflicts in order to facilitate such a transition. It will require revisiting and reaffirming the traditional values we still need as both individuals and societies and accommodating them with certain contemporary “progressive" values.

Here are some thoughts:

This article is a personal reflection on her decades of work in bioethics and a proposal for a novel approach to navigating contemporary ethical conflicts. Central to her argument is the idea that cultivating experiences of amazement, wonder, and awe (AWA)—especially when paired with healthy skepticism and free from cynicism and nihilism—can lead to deep gratitude and hope, which in turn inspire individuals and communities to act more ethically. She expresses this as a formula: AWA + S – (C + N) → G + H → E, which she calls “The Wonder Equation.” This equation suggests that rather than relying solely on rational analysis or ideological arguments, engaging our emotional and spiritual capacities can help restore a shared sense of moral responsibility.

For psychologists, Somerville’s work holds particular importance. First, it introduces a fresh lens for understanding moral motivation. Drawing on both personal anecdotes and recent empirical research, she argues that emotional states like awe and wonder are not only enriching but are also linked to prosocial behaviors such as compassion, empathy, and a sense of connectedness. This aligns with psychological studies that show how awe can reduce narcissism, increase well-being, and promote community-oriented values. Second, Somerville’s analysis of today’s “culture wars”—and her critique of rigid ideological divisions between “progressive” and conservative values—offers psychologists insight into how clients might experience internal value conflicts in an increasingly polarized world. Her concept of “mixed values packages” underscores the psychological reality that most people hold complex, sometimes contradictory beliefs, which calls for greater tolerance and openness in both therapy and society at large.

A foundation model to predict and capture human cognition

Binz, M., Akata, E., et al. (2025).

Nature.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-025-09215-4

Abstract

Establishing a unified theory of cognition has been an important goal in psychology. A first step towards such a theory is to create a computational model that can predict human behaviour in a wide range of settings. Here we introduce Centaur, a computational model that can predict and simulate human behaviour in any experiment expressible in natural language. We derived Centaur by fine-tuning a state-of-the-art language model on a large-scale dataset called Psych-101. Psych-101 has an unprecedented scale, covering trial-by-trial data from more than 60,000 participants performing in excess of 10,000,000 choices in 160 experiments. Centaur not only captures the behaviour of held-out participants better than existing cognitive models, but it also generalizes to previously unseen cover stories, structural task modifications and entirely new domains. Furthermore, the model’s internal representations become more aligned with human neural activity after fine-tuning. Taken together, our results demonstrate that it is possible to discover computational models that capture human behaviour across a wide range of domains. We believe that such models provide tremendous potential for guiding the development of cognitive theories, and we present a case study to demonstrate this.

The article is here.

Here are some thoughts:

This article is important because it introduces Centaur, a novel computational model that represents a major step toward a unified theory of cognition. By fine-tuning a large language model on a vast dataset of human behavior, the researchers created a model with superior predictive power that can generalize across different cognitive domains. This model not only outperforms existing, specialized cognitive models but also demonstrates an alignment with human neural activity, suggesting it captures fundamental principles of human thought. Ultimately, the paper proposes that Centaur can serve as a powerful tool for scientific discovery, guiding the development and refinement of new psychological theories.

To assess or not to assess: Ethical issues in online assessments

Salimuddin, S., Beshai, S., & Loutzenhiser, L. (2025).

Canadian Psychology / Psychologie canadienne.

Advance online publication.

https://doi.org/10.1037/cap0000423

Abstract

There has been a proliferation of psychological services offered via the internet in the past 5 years, with the COVID-19 pandemic playing a large role in the shift from in-person to online services. While researchers have identified ethical issues related to online psychotherapy, little attention has been paid to the ethical issues surrounding online psychological assessments. In this article, we discuss challenges and ethical considerations unique to online psychological assessments and underscore the need for targeted discussions related to this service. We address key ethical issues including informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, competency, and maximizing benefit and minimizing harm, followed by a discussion of ethical issues specific to behavioural observations and standardized testing in online assessments. Additionally, we propose several recommendations, such as integrating dedicated training for online assessments into graduate programmes and expanding the research on cross-modality reliability and validity. These recommendations are closely aligned with principles, standards, and guidelines from the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, the Canadian Psychological Association Guidelines on Telepsychology, and the Interim Ethical Guidelines for Psychologists Providing Psychological Services via Electronic Media.

Impact Statement

This article provides Canadian psychologists with guidance on the ethical issues to consider when contemplating the remote online administration of psychological assessments. Relevant sources, such as the Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists, are used in discussing ethical issues arising in online assessments. 

Here are some thoughts:

The core message is that while online assessments offer significant benefits, especially in terms of accessibility for rural, remote, or underserved populations, they come with a complex array of unique ethical challenges that cannot be ignored. Simply because a service can be delivered online does not mean it should be, without a thorough evaluation of the risks and benefits.

Embrace the potential of online assessments to increase access, but do so responsibly. Prioritize ethical rigor, client well-being, and scientific validity over convenience. The decision to assess online should never be taken lightly and must be grounded in competence, transparency, and a careful weighing of potential harms and benefits.

Navigating the Evolving Landscape of Antipsychotic Medications: A Psychologist's Guide

Gavazzi, J. D. (2025).

The Tablet, Summer.

A pdf is here.

This article outlines the history, mechanisms, uses, and evolving developments of antipsychotic drugs, with a focus on their implications for psychologists. It distinguishes between first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs) that primarily block dopamine D2 receptors and second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) that additionally modulate serotonin receptors, noting their respective strengths and side-effect profiles. Beyond reducing positive symptoms like hallucinations, some antipsychotics can also help with negative symptoms, cognitive deficits, and mood stabilization, though effects are often modest.

The guide covers off-label uses (e.g., depression, OCD, dementia-related agitation) and stresses caution due to variable efficacy and safety risks, especially in older adults. It highlights the importance of individualized treatment, given significant variability in patient response. Emerging options such as lumateperone, xanomeline-trospium, cholinergic modulators, and TAAR1 agonists represent novel approaches with potentially fewer side effects.

Psychologists’ non-prescribing roles include monitoring treatment effects, educating patients and families, delivering psychosocial interventions, and collaborating with prescribers. The overarching message is that optimal care requires a personalized, integrated approach combining pharmacological knowledge with psychosocial strategies.

An Important Takeaway

Even as antipsychotic medications become more sophisticated, there is no “one-size-fits-all” solution—effective treatment comes from balancing science with individualized, compassionate care. Progress in medication is valuable, but it reaches its fullest potential only when paired with human connection, careful monitoring, and collaborative support.

Cognitive computational model reveals repetition bias in a sequential decision-making task

Legler, E., Rivera, D. C.,  et al. (2025).

Communications Psychology, 3(1).

https://doi.org/10.1038/s44271-025-00271-0

Abstract

Humans tend to repeat action sequences that have led to reward. Recent computational models, based on a long-standing psychological theory, suggest that action selection can also be biased by how often an action or sequence of actions was repeated before, independent of rewards. However, empirical support for such a repetition bias effect in value-based decision-making remains limited. In this study, we provide evidence of a repetition bias for action sequences using a sequential decision-making task (N = 70). Through computational modeling of choices, we demonstrate both the learning and influence of a repetition bias on human value-based decisions. Using model comparison, we find that decisions are best explained by the combined influence of goal-directed reward seeking and a tendency to repeat action sequences. Additionally, we observe significant individual differences in the strength of this repetition bias. These findings lay the groundwork for further research on the interaction between goal-directed reward seeking and the repetition of action sequences in human decision making.

Here are some thoughts:

This research on "repetition bias in a sequential decision-making task" offers valuable insights for psychologists, impacting both their own professional conduct and their understanding of patient behaviors. The study highlights that human decision-making is not solely driven by the pursuit of rewards, but also by an unconscious tendency to repeat previous action sequences. This finding suggests that psychologists, like all individuals, may be influenced by these ingrained patterns in their own practices, potentially leading to a reliance on familiar methods even when alternative, more effective approaches might exist. An awareness of this bias can foster greater self-reflection, encouraging psychologists to critically evaluate their established routines and adapt their strategies to better serve patient needs.

Furthermore, this research provides a crucial framework for understanding repetitive behaviors in patients. By demonstrating the coexistence of repetition bias with goal-directed reward seeking, the study helps explain why individuals might persist in actions that are not directly rewarding or may even be detrimental, a phenomenon often observed in conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder or addiction. This distinction between the drivers of behavior can aid psychologists in more accurate patient assessment, allowing them to discern whether a patient's repetitive actions stem from a strong, non-reward-driven bias or from deliberate, goal-oriented choices. The research also notes significant individual differences in the strength of this bias, implying the need for personalized treatment approaches. Moreover, the study's suggestion that frequent repetition contributes to habit formation by diminishing goal-directed control offers insights into how maladaptive habits develop and how interventions can be designed to disrupt these cycles or bolster conscious control.

Meaningful Psychedelic Experiences Predict Increased Moral Expansiveness

Olteanu, W., & Moreton, S. G. (2025).

Journal of Psychoactive Drugs, 1–9.

https://doi.org/10.1080/02791072.2025.2478095

Abstract

There has been growing interest in understanding the psychological effects of psychedelic experiences, including their potential to catalyze significant shifts in moral cognition. This retrospective study examines how meaningful psychedelic experiences are related to changes in moral expansiveness and investigates the role of acute subjective effects as predictors of these changes. We found that meaningful psychedelic experiences were associated with self-reported increases in moral expansiveness. Changes in moral expansiveness were positively correlated with reported mystical experiences, ego dissolution, as well as feeling moved and admiration during the experience. Additionally, heightened moral expansiveness was associated with longer term shifts in the propensity to experience the self-transcendent positive emotions of admiration and awe. Future research should further investigate the mechanisms underlying these changes and explore how different types of psychedelic experiences might influence moral decision-making and behavior over time.

Here are some thoughts:

This article explores the relationship between psychedelic experiences and shifts in moral cognition, specifically moral expansiveness—the extent to individuals extend moral concern to a broader range of entities, including humans, animals, and nature. The study found that meaningful psychedelic experiences were associated with self-reported increases in moral expansiveness, with these changes linked to acute subjective effects such as mystical experiences, ego dissolution, and self-transcendent emotions like admiration and awe. The research suggests that psychedelics may facilitate profound shifts in moral attitudes by fostering feelings of interconnectedness and unity, which endure beyond the experience itself.

This study is important for practicing psychologists as it highlights the potential therapeutic and transformative effects of psychedelics on moral and ethical perspectives. Understanding these mechanisms can inform therapeutic approaches, particularly for clients struggling with rigid moral boundaries, lack of empathy, or disconnection from others and the environment. The findings also underscore the role of self-transcendent emotions in promoting prosocial behaviors and well-being, offering insights into interventions that could cultivate such emotions. However, psychologists must approach this area cautiously, considering the legal and ethical implications of psychedelic use, and remain informed about emerging research to guide clients responsibly. The study opens avenues for further exploration into how psychedelic-assisted therapy might address moral and relational challenges in clinical practice.

Understanding and Combating Human Trafficking: A Psychological Perspective

Sidun, N. M. (2025).

American Psychologist.

https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001516

Abstract

Human trafficking is a global crisis that represents one of the gravest violations of human rights and dignity in modern times. Defined by international and U.S. frameworks, trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals through fraud, force, or coercion for purposes such as labor, sexual exploitation, or organ harvesting. Psychology provides a unique lens to understand, prevent, and address this issue by examining the underlying psychological mechanisms used by traffickers and the profound effects on survivors. Traffickers leverage psychological manipulation—grooming, coercion, and trauma bonding—to control victims, while survivors endure severe mental health consequences, including posttraumatic stress disorder, complex trauma, depression, and anxiety.

Psychologists play a pivotal role in combating trafficking through research, education, advocacy, and clinical practice. Research informs prevention by identifying vulnerabilities and effective interventions. Education raises public awareness and equips professionals to recognize and support victims.Advocacy shapes policies that uphold human rights and strengthen antitrafficking laws. Clinicians provide essential trauma-and trafficking-informed care tailored to survivors, utilizing evidence-based practices and adjunctive psychological interventions that foster healing and resilience while addressing immediate and long-term impacts. In conclusion, psychology is integral to eradicating human trafficking. By bridging research, practice, and policy, psychology contributes significantly to global antitrafficking efforts, ensuring a lasting impact on addressing this pervasive human rights violation.

Public Significance Statement

This article presents an overview of human trafficking and how psychology can assist in understanding various aspects of trafficking. It describes how psychology is well-positioned to help prevent, recognize, and support the elimination of human trafficking.

The Psychology of Precarity: A Critical Framework

Blustein, D. L., Grzanka, P. R., et al. (2024).

American Psychologist.

https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001361

Abstract

This article presents the rationale and a new critical framework for precarity, which reflects a psychosocial concept that links structural inequities with experiences of alienation, anomie, and uncertainty. Emerging from multiple disciplines, including anthropology, cultural studies, sociology, political science, and psychology, the concept of precarity provides a conceptual scaffolding for understanding the complex causes of precarious life circumstances while also seeking to identify how people react, adapt, and resist the forces that evoke such tenuous psychosocial experiences.Wepresent a critical conceptual framework as a nonlinear heuristic that serves to identify and organize relevant elements of precarity in a presumably infinite number of contexts and applications. The framework identifies socio-political-economic contexts, material conditions, and psychological experiences as key elements of precarity. Another essential aspect of this framework is the delineation of interrelated and nonlinear responses to precarity, which include resistance, adaptation, and resignation. We then summarize selected implications of precarity for psychological interventions, vocational and organizational psychology, and explorations and advocacy about race, gender, and other systems of inequality. Future research directions, including optimal methodologies to study precarity, conclude the article.

Public Significance Statement

In this study, we introduce the concept of precarity, which links feelings of alienation, instability, insecurity, and existential threat with structural inequities. The complex ways that precarity influences and constrains people are described in a framework that includes a discussion about how people react, adapt, and resist the causes of precarity. Implications for psychological practice, research, and social/racial justice conclude the article.

Here are some thoughts:

This article is important for practicing psychologists and other mental health professionals because it offers a critical framework for understanding precarity, which can help them move beyond individualistic interpretations of suffering and incorporate structural factors into their practice. The article argues that psychology has historically advanced neoliberal ideology by focusing on the self and mental health as solutions to social and economic problems, potentially pathologizing individuals experiencing precarity.

By adopting a psychology of precarity, professionals can better conceptualize and critique the psychosocial costs of widespread instability. This framework emphasizes the dynamic nature of precarity, its various antecedents and outcomes, and individual and collective responses to it, such as resistance, adaptation, or resignation. It highlights how socio-political-economic contexts, like the retreat of the social welfare state and hyper-individualism, contribute to precarity and its effects, which are often deeply complementary to other forms of oppression such as anti-Blackness, colonialism, and misogyny.

The article suggests that this framework can infuse structural thought into conceptualizations and interventions for people struggling with various life aspects, fostering critical consciousness about systemic inequities. For instance, it can help understand psychological costs like anxiety, existential threat, and chronic stress as responses to chronic uncertainty rather than solely individual psychopathology.