Individual differences in sensitivity to threat predict greater moral condemnation

Moral condemnation can emerge in response to perceived threat. We investigated whether trait threat sensitivity predicts moral condemnation across multiple domains. In Study 1 ( n = 151), avoidance motivation (BIS) was positively associated with general moral condemnation, whereas sensation seeking was negatively associated, even when controlling for social conservatism. Study 2 ( n = 206) replicated these findings, which remained robust after controlling for empathic concern and perspective taking. In Study 3 ( N = 302), BIS predicted greater moral condemnation of harm and sanctity violations indirectly via appraisals of these actions as personally threatening, even when controlling for harm- and disgust-based explanations. A similar mediation pattern emerged for sensation seeking and moral condemnation of sanctity violations but not harm violations.