People's moral values change with the seasons

A recent study from the University of British Columbia's Department of Psychology has found that people's moral values exhibit seasonal fluctuations, which could have significant implications for various societal aspects, including politics, law, and health. Analyzing survey data from over 230,000 individuals in the U.S. over a decade, researchers discovered that moral values promoting group cohesion, such as loyalty, authority, and purity, are endorsed more strongly in spring and fall compared to summer and winter. This pattern was consistent across smaller samples from Canada and Australia. The study suggests that increased anxiety levels during spring and autumn may drive individuals to seek comfort in these binding values. The findings indicate that the timing of elections, legal judgments, and public health responses could be influenced by these seasonal shifts in moral values. For instance, individuals who endorse binding values may be more punitive in legal contexts and more compliant with health guidelines during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic. The research team aims to further explore the relationship between anxiety and moral values and how these seasonal changes might affect social prejudices and legal decisions.

- Moral values fluctuate seasonally, with stronger endorsement in spring and fall.

- The study analyzed data from over 230,000 U.S. respondents over ten years.

- Increased anxiety in spring and autumn may correlate with stronger adherence to group norms.

- Findings could influence political outcomes, legal judgments, and public health responses.

- Future research will investigate the links between anxiety, moral values, and social prejudices.