Psychosocial factors associated with corrupt intentions among educated citizens

Abstract

In contexts marked by systemic corruption, even individuals with higher education may express tolerance toward unethical practices. This cross-sectional survey study tested a four-level theory-guided exploratory model examining associations between political ideology, dark personality traits, perceptions of the normative and political systems, and (anti)corrupt intentions among Peruvians with university education. Measures included validated Spanish versions of scales assessing right-wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, dark triad traits, normative system perception, political cynicism, and a two-dimensional scale of corrupt and anti-corrupt intentions. The sample comprised 250 participants (Mage = 26.92; 54.4% female) recruited online from public and private universities across Peru. Data were analyzed using path analysis within a structural equation modeling framework with maximum likelihood estimation. Results indicated that Machiavellian, sub-clinical psychopathy, and right-wing authoritarianism were positively associated with corrupt intentions, with these variables connected through perceptions of normative weakness, moral laxity, and political distrust. In contrast, perceptions of lack of legitimacy within the normative system and belief in the possibility of political change were associated with stronger anti-corruption intentions. The findings suggest that authoritarian ideologies, antisocial personality traits, and normalizing dysfunctional systems are interrelated with the normalization and justification of corrupt behavior even among the highly educated citizens, while confidence in institutional reform is linked to greater resistance to corruption. These results contribute to debates on the limits of education as a safeguard against corruption in Peru and comparable Latin American contexts.