Cognitive and Neurological Mechanisms of Cuteness Perception: A New Perspective on Moral Education. Issue 3 (17th July 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Zhicong; Zhou, Jiaxian
• Other Names: De Smedt Bert guestEditor.; Dumontheil Iroise guestEditor.; Peters Sabine guestEditor.; van Atteveldt Nienke guestEditor.
• Is Part Of: Mind, brain and education. Volume 14:Issue 3(2020)
• Page Start: 209
• Page End: 219
• Publication Date: 2020-07-17
• Subjects: Cognitive learning -- Periodicals; Education -- Research -- Periodicals; Developmental psychobiology -- Periodicals; Cognitive neuroscience -- Periodicals; Cognitive science -- Periodicals; Apprentissage cognitif -- Périodiques; Éducation -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Psychobiologie du développement -- Périodiques; Neurosciences cognitives -- Périodiques; Sciences cognitives -- Périodiques; 612.8233
• DOI: 10.1111/mbe.12252
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-2271

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Effects of cuteness‐perception on individual cognition, emotion, behavior have significant implications for moral education. On the one hand, cuteness perception will make individuals think that moral violations are more serious and lead to tougher moral judgments; on the other hand, cuteness perception can activate moral emotions such as compassion and empathy, and induce to expand the scope of moral concern. Cuteness perception can also promote people to engage in altruistic moral behaviors such as donating, helping, etc. Based on these findings, we suggest to provide the lively content of moral education with diverse educational forms and take advantage of the anthropomorphic effect of cuteness while reduce the negative effects of cuteness. Abstract : Lay abstract: Effects of cuteness perception on individual cognition, emotion, behavior have significant implications for moral education. Cuteness perception can activate moral emotions such as compassion and empathy, and induce to expand the scope of moral concern. It can also promote people to engage in altruistic moral behaviors such as donating, helping, etc. Based on these findings, we provide some suggestions to moral education.