The concept of mega-threats – negative, identity-related events that receive significant media attention – have been shown to have significant negative effects on members of the harmed group; effects that have implications for their behavior at work. We look to build on the original theory and empirical evidence by shifting focus to how mega-threats impact members of the harming group. Drawing on moral cleansing theory, we argue that members of the harming group feel increased levels of guilt following a mega-threat. Those individuals then strive to cleanse their guilt by reducing their in-group solidarity and engaging in increased helping toward members of the harmed group. Further, we argue that cleansing guilt by reducing in-group solidarity will be stronger when individuals possess strong purity/sanctity (a dimension of moral foundations). Across three main studies and one supplemental study, we found that participants felt greater guilt and decreased in-group solidarity after witnessing a mega-threat (police brutality against George Floyd), which then increased helping behaviors towards Black Americans. We also found support for the moderating role of purity/sanctity.
