Fig. 1: Conceptual model of indebtedness.

We propose that there are two distinct components of indebtedness, guilt and the sense of obligation, which are derived from appraisals about the benefactor’s altruistic and strategic intentions and can differentially impact the beneficiary’s reciprocity behaviors. Following an event in which a benefactor provides help to the beneficiary (Yellow), the beneficiary is likely to appraise the benefactor’s intentions. The higher the perception of the benefactor’s strategic intention, the lower the perception of the benefactor’s altruistic intention. The guilt component of indebtedness, along with gratitude, arises from appraisals of the benefactor’s altruistic intentions (i.e., perceived care from the help) and reflects communal concern (Blue). In contrast, the obligation component of indebtedness results from appraisals of the benefactor’s strategic intentions (e.g., second-order belief of the benefactor’s expectation for repayment; Green). Both feelings of communal concern and obligation motivate the beneficiary’s reciprocal behaviors (e.g., accept or reject the help and reciprocity after receiving help; Pink).