Moral and Physical Purity Linked in the Minds of Many
By Kate Schoen

We’ve often heard how the themes of Shakespeare’s plays relate to modern day life. Now, some recent studies suggest they’re also in tune with modern science.

The studies looked at the psychological connection between moral and physical purity. They found that people tend to have an urge to clean themselves after thinking about doing something bad, like betraying a friend. And, just by washing their hands, they feel less guilty.

Researchers call this the “Macbeth effect,” because it’s like the famous scene in which Lady Macbeth obsessively washes her hands, after her husband murders the King.

UNC psychologist Jonathon Abramowitz says that in some ways, the “Macbeth effect” is like obsessive compulsive disorder.

“I think that most people have some non-clinical symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder. We all have intrusive thoughts about things we’d rather not think about. We all do ritualistic behaviors like handwashing sometimes when it’s not necessary,” Abramowitz said.

Abramowitz says the results are interesting because they show how people can misinterpret the meaning of their thoughts.