Integrity, Generativity and Values: An Examination of the Integrity Scale

1. Integrity, Generativity and Values: An Examination of the Integrity Scale Patrick L. Hill, Jessica A. Jimenez, Laura Nawrocki, & Daniel K. Lapsley University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN Abstract The Integrity Scale purports to measure a character strength that reflects “steadfast commitment to ethical principles.” We examined its psychometric properties and predictive validity in a sample of 355 adults. Results indicate a reliable (α = .83) single-factor measure. Integrity was a significant predictor of generativity, psychological well-being (personal growth, purpose in life), spirituality and community volunteering, but not satisfaction with life. We discuss the contribution of integrity to eudaimonia and the promise of the Integrity Scale for research in moral psychology. Predictions H1: A factor analysis of the Integrity Scale should demonstrate a single, reliable factor. H2: Integrity scores should positively correlate with psychological well-being H3: Integrity scores should be related to greater spirituality and community service. H4: Integrity should not be correlated with one’s satisfaction with life. Conclusions Overall, the Integrity Scale provided promise as an instrument for use in future research. First, all items had moderate to high loadings onto a single factor solution. Second, it proved to positively predict psychological well-being. Third, it was positively related to both greater community service and spirituality. Fourth, it was unrelated to satisfaction with life, as suggested by its creators. Therefore, the Integrity Scale appears to be valid and reliable for use with an adult population. Exploratory Factor Analysis Future Directions As the data presented was only a subset of our longitudinal study, the following questions will be of interest when evaluating the complete data set. 1. Can integrity in adulthood be predicted by factors in adolescence, such as one’s success in school and college-based service activities? 2. Which family, school, and environmental factors most influence the development of integrity? 3. Can integrity serve to mediate the relationships between other predictor variables and one’s service activities at mid-life? 4.Does one’s level of integrity influence their outlook on life and views of their future? Background Recently, Schlenker (2006) has developed an integrity scale that has shown promising convergent and discriminant validity. It has been previously shown to predict prosocial and antisocial actions, including empathy, volunteering, lying, and cheating. Interestingly, past results suggest that integrity may be unrelated to one’s satisfaction with life. The current study evaluated whether the integrity scale could predict positive psychological outcomes in a sample of mid-life adults. Given the importance of integrity in moral psychology research, finding a reliable measure of integrity would prove very beneficial for future work. Correlational Analyses Method and Reliabilities Participants: 399 (57% M), Notre Dame graduates with an average age of 35 years Procedure: Participants completed an online survey and were allowed to quit at any time; those who completed at least 2/3 of the survey were included in the final analyses. Reliabilities: Integrity (α = .83), Sat w/ Life (α = .87), Personal Growth (α = .88), Purpose in Life (α = .91), Generativity (α = .86), Community Service (α = .71), Spirituality (α = .76) Limitations Three possible limitations are of note. First, the population sampled were college alumni, which may restrict generalizability to the overall population of mid-life adults. Second, due to the extended length of the survey, several participants failed to complete all portions. Third, data was collected using an online survey which necessarily neglected those alumni without access to the internet.