State humility: Measurement, conceptual validation, and intrapersonal processes

Abstract

Humility is a core psychological process theoretically marked by low self-focus, secure identity, and balanced awareness of strengths and weaknesses. We began with a consensual definition of humility before theoretically unpacking it. First, using 25 samples and 2622 adults, we developed the Brief State Humility Scale, which demonstrates strong construct validity and good reliability, is sensitive to experimental manipulation, and is uncorrelated with social desirability. Second, using this measure, we replicated previously reported relationships involving interpersonal processes; revealed links between state humility and intrapersonal processes (e.g. affect, creativity, and personality); and demonstrated key theoretical differences between state humility and modesty. This framework highlights new avenues for humility research and suggests how humility plays a critical role in emotional experience.

Keywords:

• Humility
• emotions
• personality
• measure validation

Notes

1. This total does not include undergraduates in Sample 1c in Study 1. Also, it does not include samples of raters used in Study 2.

2. Overlap between subsamples allowed assessing test–retest reliability across time. See Sample 1d in Study.