ABSTRACT
Does a basic psychological need to feel moral exist? In this chapter, we review past theoretical claims and tangential empirical evidence for morality functioning as a basic psychological need. We provide an overview of our research program, testing multiple criteria for morality’s status as a need. We conclude by discussing how this research program can help integrate prominent theories of motivation (self-determination theory) and personality (whole trait theory), as well as recommendations for future research on examining the moral need as a key mechanism in the manifestation of moral character.
