Presentation Information
[O-13-04]Depressive symptoms are associated with utilitarian responses in trolley dilemmas: a study amongst university students in the United Arab Emirates
*Gabriel Andrade (Ajman University(United Arab Emirates))
Keywords:
Depression,Trolley dilemma,United Arab Emirates,Moral reasoning
Trolley dilemmas have been commonly used to justify the intuitive appeal of the doctrine of double effect. According to this doctrine, if a good action as a harmful side effect, then it is morally acceptable to do it, provided the harmful effect is not intended. However, in some variants of the dilemma, most people are willing to forego the doctrine of double effect, thus making responses inconsistent. In this study, 404 university students from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) were presented with 4 versions of the trolley dilemma. Results came out showing that higher levels of depressive symptoms predict greater consistency in adherence (or rejection) to the doctrine of double effect. Likewise, higher levels of depressive symptom predict utilitarian responses to trolley dilemmas. Anxiety symptoms had similar effects, but more moderate. Demographic variables (age, gender) were also assessed as predictors of responses and consistency to trolley scenarios, but no significant effects were found.