Stefanie Tignor, 2017 Q&pAy small grants competition runner-up
SPSP: Hi, Stefanie. Thank you for chatting with us. Why do you think studying micro-transgressions and the responses people feel after committing them matters?
Stefanie: In psychology, I think historically we've tended to take more of interest in extreme behavior. Extreme behavior is important because it can be super-impactful, but there can be a tendency to overlook what people do frequently in everyday life. So we’re asking, what do people consider to be immoral on a day-to-day basis, when most people are not cheating on an exam or stealing? Also, I can’t help it, I love the “bad stuff” – guilt and shame. We’re interested in seeing how the “bad stuff” potentially in moderation can be a good thing – for example, is feeling guilty adaptive or maladaptive? Perhaps certain low-level guilt experiences can be beneficial for relationship quality and interpersonal well-being.
SPSP: Why is your research important, and how does it add to the existing scientific literature?
Stefanie: As I mentioned, there’s currently a debate over whether guilt is adaptive or maladaptive. We believe that the transgression itself matters in this debate – if someone does something small and feels a lot of guilt, it may be maladaptive, but if they do something minor and feel a minor proportional guilt experience, maybe it’s adaptive, and a socially appropriate response.
SPSP: What are the practical, real-world implications of your research?
Stefanie: Our research goals are not applied at the moment, but I could imagine that, if our hypotheses are confirmed, and of course with several follow-up studies, there could be the potential to design interventions that could increase relationship well-being. If being the type of person who readily recognizes his or her own small, minor transgressions--and experiences a proportional amount of guilt in response--is adaptive and can help relationships, this would be very useful to know for individuals seeking to improve their relational well-being.
SPSP: How will you use the grant money, and how will it advance your research?
Stefanie: We’re using it to pay participants. We’ve already conducted two pilot studies with students, but we also want to examine the micro-transgressions of adult community participants. We’re also using the money on a technology called Instant Census, which will allow us to communicate with participants via text message to ask them questions regarding their emotions and behavior several times per day.
SPSP: That’s great. Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about your research or the Q&pAy experience?
Stefanie: Q&pAy was so much fun! I loved it and am also super excited about my foam check.
SPSP: Thanks, Stefanie. It was wonderful to speak with you. Have a great day!