Guilt in Games

“A clear conscience is a good pillow.” Why does this old proverb contain an insight? The emotion of guilt holds a key. Psychologists report that “the prototypical cause of guilt would be the infliction of harm, loss, or distress on a relationship partner” (Roy Baumeister, Arlene M. Stillwell, and Todd F. Heatherton 1994, 245; June Price Tangney 1995). Moreover, guilt is unpleasant and may affect behavior to render the associated pangs counterfactual. Baumeister, Stillwell, and Heatherton state, “If people feel guilt for hurting their partners ... and for failing to live up to their expectations, they will alter their behavior (to avoid guilt) in ways that seem likely to maintain and strengthen the…