Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale: Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance Among a Portuguese Sample

ABSTRACT

The propensity to morally disengage can be an essential driver of unethical, antisocial, and criminal behavior. The present study examines the psychometric properties of the Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale (PMDS) among a convenience sample of 242 male and female participants (M = 30.19 years, SD = 12.78, range = 16–77) from Portugal. The expected one-factor structure obtained an adequate fit using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency/reliability was adequate as measured by the alpha and omega coefficients. Convergent validity (i.e. with dark traits, low self-control, violence evaluation, and antisociality/criminality tendencies measures), divergent validity (i.e. with basic empathy and light traits of personality measures), and criterion-related validity (e.g. with trouble with the law, arrested by police, sentenced to prison variables) were demonstrated with Pearson and point-biserial correlations. Measurement invariance across gender was established. Significant gender differences in the PMDS scores were found, with males scoring significantly higher than females. Our findings support using the PMDS Portuguese version as a short, valid, and reliable measure of moral disengagement.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Fundacao para a Ciencia e Tecnologia [2022.07928.CEECIND].

Notes on contributors

Pedro Pechorro

Pedro Pechorro is a researcher at the CINEICC, PsyAssessmentLab, University of Coimbra, Portugal. His research interests include crime, juvenile delinquency, psychopathy, self-control, and psychometrics.

Bruno Bonfá-Araujo

Bruno Bonfá-Araujo is a post-doctoral associate at the University of Western Ontario, Canada. His research interests include socially aversive behavior, evolutionary psychology, and psychometrics.

Mário R. Simões

Mário R. Simões is a researcher at the CINEICC, PsyAssessmentLab, University of Coimbra, Portugal. His research interests include neuropsychological assessment, forensic assessment instruments, malingering, psychological reports.

Cristina Nunes

Cristina Nunes is Full Professor at the University of Algarve. She coordinates the management unit of UAlg of the Psychology Research Center (CIP). Her research interests include positive parenting, family context assessment, family and child well-being.

Matt DeLisi

Matt DeLisi is Distinguished Professor, Dean’s Professor and Coordinator of Criminal Justice at Iowa State University. He has published extensively in the social, behavioral and forensic sciences.