A groundbreaking study sheds light on how individuals perceive karma differently when it pertains to themselves versus others. Research indicates that people are inclined to associate their personal successes with divine rewards, while attributing the hardships faced by others to deserved retribution. This phenomenon transcends cultural boundaries, revealing universal psychological tendencies.
The study's findings suggest that two key psychological factors influence this perception: the self-positivity bias and the belief in a just world. These forces drive individuals to view their own achievements as evidence of good karma, while interpreting misfortunes befalling others as karmic punishment. Interestingly, participants from Asian countries demonstrated a slightly reduced tendency toward self-positivity bias compared to Western counterparts, yet the overall pattern remained consistent across all groups studied. Through various experiments involving over 2,000 participants globally, researchers confirmed that narratives about personal experiences were predominantly positive, whereas those concerning others leaned heavily toward negativity.
Understanding human behavior through the lens of karma offers valuable insights into our innate desire for fairness and self-worth. By strategically applying supernatural beliefs, individuals can rationalize life events in ways that enhance their sense of justice and personal value. This approach not only helps explain everyday occurrences but also reinforces a worldview where one perceives themselves as deserving of good fortune while simultaneously justifying adversity faced by others. Such perspectives encourage deeper reflection on how cultural contexts shape personal beliefs, promoting empathy and awareness in global interactions.