Bright and dark-side personality correlates of self-rated sins and virtues

Abstract

This paper reports on two studies associated with a new self-report measure assessing the Seven Cardinal Sins and Virtues. The aim was to examine the psychometric properties of this measure and explore demographic, ideological, self-esteem and personality correlates. In the first study of 300 adults, we found the aggregates of Sins and of Virtues had good alphas and were predictably negatively correlated. Correlations indicated that males more than females, younger more than older, non- vs university graduates, who were less religious, optimistic and higher on the dark-side traits Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Sadism scored higher on self-assessed Sins. The pattern was opposite for self-assessed Virtues but also included Self-esteem, but not Machiavellianism. The regressions indicate that four variables (age, optimism, Machiavellianism and Psychopathology) accounted for a quarter of the variance in self-assessed Sins. Likewise, age, education, religious beliefs, self-evaluations and psychopathology accounted for a similar amount of variance in the assessment of virtues. In the second study of 307 adults, participants completed the High Potential Trait Indicator (HPTI), a measure of six work-related traits, as well as the Sins and Virtues measure. Results showed that less Conscientious, Adjusted and Courageous (Risk Approach) individuals rated themselves higher on Sins and lower on Virtues. Further, Competitive people rated their Sinfulness higher, while Curious people rated their Virtues higher. The results are discussed in terms of the questionnaire's use in other settings. Limitations concerning possible dissimulation and impression management, as well as common method variance, are acknowledged. HIGHLIGHTS • We devised new self-report measure assessing The Seven Cardinal Sins and Virtues. • Correlations indicated that younger males were higher on self-confessed sins • Those higher on Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Sadism scored higher on Sins. • Four variables accounted for a quarter of the variance in self-assessed Sins.