Justice sensitivity : assessment and location in the personality space

Scales for justice sensitivity from three perspectives (victim, observer, perpetrator) were developed. A latent state-trait analysis revealed high reliabilities (>> .95). Trait consistencies (>> .61) were twice as large as occasion specificities (>> .33). The correlation between observer and perpetrator sensitivity was much higher than the correlation between either two and victim sensitivity. Self-related concerns (machiavellianism, paranoia, suspiciousness, vengeance, jealousy, interpersonal trust) correlated more highly with victim sensitivity than with observer and perpetrator sensitivity. Other-related concerns (role taking, empathy, social responsibility) correlated more highly with observer and perpetrator sensitivity than with victim sensitivity. Low correlations between justice sensitivity and just world belief system were found. Few correlations between justice sensitivity and broad personality traits were significant. Victim sensitivity correlates with neuroticism (>> .30). Perpetrator sensitivity correlates with agreeableness (>> .20). Observer and perpetrator sensitivity reflect high moral standards. Victim sensitivity is a mixture of self-protective motives and moral concerns.