Moral disengagement theory states that ‘regular people’ justify moral atrocities by minimizing others’ suffering. Individuals tend to cognitively separate the moral component from an otherwise unethical and immoral act to rationalize engaging in it.

Boston University

The most common form in which others' suffering is minimized occurs in the general tendency to underestimate the physical suffering of low-status outgroup members. This underestimation is In line with moral disengagement theory. Additionally, this psychological rationalization process may help explain how everyday sadists can reconcile cruel behavior with a positive self-view.

Minimizing Suffering

Buckels, E. E. (2006). The psychology of everyday sadism. University of British Columbia, 1–165. https://doi.org/10.14288/1.0369056

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