Individual differences impact support for vigilante justice
Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research
ISSN: 1759-6599
Article publication date: 11 July 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships between moral disengagement, individual differences (i.e. need for cognition (NFC), faith in intuition, legal authoritarianism) and responses to vigilantism.
Design/methodology/approach
US university students were surveyed.
Findings
NFC reduced support for vigilante justice while legal authoritarianism increased support for vigilante justice. Both relationships are mediated by moral disengagement, which also increases support for vigilante justice.
Research limitations/implications
The present study provides a starting point for further research on individual differences and responses to vigilantism.
Practical implications
Results expand on the understanding of the function of individual differences in a morally charged decision-making task. Content has implications for academics and legal practitioners.
Originality/value
Vigilante justice is embedded within American culture. However, vigilantism is currently illegal, and recent instances of what might be considered vigilante justice (e.g. George Zimmerman, David Barajas) have highlighted the controversy surrounding such extralegal violence. Little research has focussed on the moral quandary posed by vigilantism.
Keywords
Citation
McDermott, C.M. and Miller, M.K. (2016), "Individual differences impact support for vigilante justice", Journal of Aggression, Conflict and Peace Research, Vol. 8 No. 3, pp. 186-196. https://doi.org/10.1108/JACPR-09-2015-0186
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited