Moral tribalism: Moral judgments of actions supporting ingroup interests depend on collective narcissism

Abstract In this article, we examine how group identity and protection of interests shape morality judgments. We argue that actions serving ingroup are more likely to be judged as moral (or less immoral) than the same do not serve interests. However, group-interest bias should especially strong among those high in collective narcissism—a defensive belief greatness is appreciated by others. Studies 1 (N = 185, Polish British participants) 2 (N = 404, participants), participants favouring outgroup members similar their ingroup. effect was only present for national narcissism. Study 3 (N = 400, American judgments US Senate's decision about Brett Kavanaugh's nomination depended on partisanship, but strengthened partisan Finally, 4 (N = 711, association between narcissism President Trump's remain an ally Saudi Arabia when interest salient (vs. not). None studies observed moderating effects conventional identification. Overall, these results suggest judgments, most prevalent who identity.