Moral Identity in Chinese Context: Construction and Validation of an Objective Measure

Abstract

In this article, we investigated both rule and social concern involved moral traits. Based on these moral traits, we developed a trait-based moral identity scale, examined the psychometric properties of the scale, and investigated the relationship between moral identity and moral behavior. The first study revealed that Chinese people cherished moral traits related to both rule and social concern issues. The second study confirmed the structural validity of moral identity scale. The third study showed that people with higher moral identity conducted less cheating behavior after controlling personality traits and social desirability. Overall, the current research contributes to the knowledge about moral identity in the Chinese context.

Keywords: Moral Traits; Moral Identity; Chinese Context; Dishonest Behavior