RESPONDING TO SEVERE DEVIANT BEHAVIORS BY A CLOSE-OTHER: A MOTIVATIONAL ACCOUNT OF DILEMMATIC DECISION-MAKING

Abstract

Gatekeepers’ reporting serves as a response against emerging, severe deviant behaviors. Yet, the reporting decision can be a highly dilemmatic one. In the present research, we propose and test a theoretical model of gatekeepers’ reporting. The model conceptualizes gatekeepers’ decision-making process as comprising both rational-cognitive and affective elements. The rational-cognitive element is characterized by a multi-goal, multi-action evaluation of the reporting decision, and is measured based on an expectancy-value approach. The affective element examines the role of anticipated regret in influencing one’s reporting decision. Notably, we conceptualized reporting as an intertemporal decision, and tested the effect of future time perspective in predicting gatekeepers’ reporting intentions based on the model. In six studies (N = 1,567), including a pre-registered study and a meta-analysis, we demonstrated the robustness and generalizability of the model across diverse deviant behaviors (hate crimes, problem gambling, and violent extremism) and populations (Singaporeans and Americans). The present research represents a novel, quantitative attempt at a comprehensive explication of gatekeepers’ decision-making process. Moreover, the research identifies future time perspective as an antecedent variable in influencing the reporting of deviant behaviors.