Abstract
Previous research testing the hedonic editing hypothesis examined preferences for the timing of events that happen to the self—asking, for example, whether people prefer to experience two positive or two negative events on the same or different day(s). Here, we examine preferences for the timing of events that happen to the self and to others—social hedonic editing. Across five studies (N = 2,522), we find people prefer to experience a positive or negative event on the same day that (vs. a different day than) another person experiences a similar positive or negative event. Studies 1 and 2 document this “preference for integration” in interpersonal (i.e., for the self and others) but not intrapersonal (i.e., for the self) contexts, Studies 3 and 4 suggest people prefer integration because it increases interpersonal connection, and Study 5 highlights a boundary condition. People do not prefer integration for very emotionally impactful events.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1233-1240 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Social Psychological and Personality Science |
Volume | 12 |
Issue number | 7 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Sept 2021 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- event timing
- hedonic editing
- interpersonal connection
- social decision making
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Clinical Psychology