Story perspectives

German Study: Propaganda with Atrocity Photos Cuts Guilt, Boosts Mood

5/4/2026

Summary

Story summary

German researchers found that showing Nazi propaganda together with atrocity photos lowered participants' guilt and shame.
The result comes from 860 observations, including lab studies with 172 and 114 university students and an online sample of 643 Germans, who also reported feeling happier, calmer, more excited and relaxed.
Despite the emotional effect, researchers Lara Ditrich, Katharina Bernecker, Jonas Reinhardt and Kai Sassenberg saw no change in attitudes toward National Socialism.

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Story summary

German researchers found that showing Nazi propaganda together with atrocity photos lowered participants' guilt and shame.
The result comes from 860 observations, including lab studies with 172 and 114 university students and an online sample of 643 Germans, who also reported feeling happier, calmer, more excited and relaxed.
Despite the emotional effect, researchers Lara Ditrich, Katharina Bernecker, Jonas Reinhardt and Kai Sassenberg saw no change in attitudes toward National Socialism.