The psychological foundations and consequences of moral conviction

Abstract

Moral conviction refers to a meta-cognitive belief that a given position is based on one's core moral beliefs and convictions. Attitudes that are high in moral conviction (‘moral mandates’) differ from equally strong but non-moral attitudes in a host of ways. Among other things, stronger moral convictions are associated with (a) believing that one's attitude is more universally applicable and objectively true, (b) greater political engagement (e.g., voting, political activism), (c) greater preferred social and physical distance from those who disagree, (d) increase resistance to compromise, (e) inoculation from the usual pressures to obey authorities and the law, and (f) increased acceptance of violent solutions to conflict. Implications are discussed.