A recent study published by the American Psychological Association has shed light on the concept of karma and its effects on human behavior. The researchers analyzed responses from over 2,000 people from various religious and non-religious backgrounds to understand how they perceive good deeds and their rewards.
According to the study’s findings, when participants wrote about themselves, 59% claimed to have received rewards for their good deeds, while 92% chronicled misfortunes befalling those who had wronged them. This self-enhancing bias can lead people to take personal credit for positive outcomes and feel pride in their accomplishments.
However, the study also reveals that this bias can have a darker side. When participants wrote about others, they were more likely to believe that bad actions would result in punishment. This attribution bias can serve as a coping mechanism, allowing people to make sense of life’s complexities by assigning causes to events.
The concept of karma originates from Asian religious traditions and has different variations across cultures. The study found that Western respondents showed less self-enhancing bias than non-Western participants, but both groups agreed that others often face karmic punishments while receiving rewards.
The findings have broader implications for decision-making, policymaking, and our justice system. Belief-driven biases can perpetuate social prejudices like racism and classism by assuming inferior groups deserve their status due to past behavior.
Experts emphasize the importance of recognizing and challenging these biases to develop compassion and a sense of shared humanity. By acknowledging that we are all a mixture of good and bad, individuals can work towards creating a more equitable society.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/05/01/health/good-bad-karma-believers-study-wellness