Integrity, Generativity and Values:

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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 (a .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 ones 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
ones 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 ones service activities
at mid-life? 4.Does ones 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 ones 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 (a .83), Sat
w/ Life (a .87), Personal Growth (a .88),
Purpose in Life (a .91), Generativity (a
.86), Community Service (a .71), Spirituality
(a .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.