The propensity of the Moral Identity Profile to explain behavioral tendencies and actual behavior

Two studies (Study 1: N = 314; Study 2: N = 347) explored the multidimensional Moral Identity Profile’s predictive power, revealing differing strengths of its four dimensions (Righteousness, Care, Connectedness, Truthfulness) regarding the prediction of pro- and antisocial behavioral tendencies (Study 1: up to 27%) and actual behavior (Study 2: up to 6%). Additionally, Study 2 included a state-level operationalization encompassing the situational relevance of the four dimensions, which exceeded the explained variance (up to 34%) of the Moral Identity Profile but demonstrated similar patterns concerning the unique dimensions’ contributions. Overall, our findings support conceptualizing moral identity multidimensionally and underscore the value of state-level operationalization for explaining actual behavior.