Measuring Integrity: European Congress of Psychology

Two UNYP alumni  (Tereza Mejzlíková and Jindra Marková /Pitáková/), statistician Jana Maliňáková from NÚDZ and UNYP professor (Marek Preiss) are preparing presentations for the European Congress of Psychology, which will be held in Amsterdam, July 2017. They will present three lectures, the first one on integrity and related constructs based upon the study of blue-collar professions (Tereza Mejzlíková et al.), the second one on an overview of integrity constructs (Jindra Marková et al.) and the third on integrity in psychiatric patients (Marek Preiss et al.).

The aim of the first presentation is to evaluate the relationship between integrity and moral disengagement, social desirability, moral identity and moral values in a non-clinical group of blue-collar participants (N=63). The findings are interpreted in correspondence to the proposed general integrity model. Further, based upon the findings, practical considerations of the instrument for potential employers are discussed as well as the role of assessed constructs in relationship to integrity level.

The aim of the second presentation is to introduce the concept of moral disengagement as a tendency to justify problematic behavior and its role in personal integrity. Further, to assess the hypothetical relationship of integrity and moral identity and moral values. Finally, it also looks at the influence of social desirability and integrity level. The findings of this literature overview are translated into a hypothetical general model of integrity tested in following research. The discussion of the model presents practical considerations for the field of clinical and occupational psychology.

The aim of the third presentation is to examine the relationship between integrity and other related constructs like moral disengagement, social desirability, moral identity and moral values. Clinical variables like level of invalidity, health status, well-being, level of depression and anxiety are considered. The level of integrity is linked to different measures of cheating and unethical work behavior. The sample (N=80) consists of hospitalized and clinically depressed patients and patients with anxiety disorders from the National Institute of Mental Health (Czech Republic). The results of the in-depth assessment are presented. The findings are discussed in terms of a general model of integrity and the relationship between integrity and health characteristics. The discussion suggests possible links between a patient’s integrity and tendencies for disability.  Additionally, practical considerations are discussed.

The lectures will be held as a part of symposium entitled Morality and integrity: theory and application (convenor: María L. Vecina, PhD). The ECP 2017 will be hosted at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre. This type of conference is usually a valuable experience for psychology students, teachers, practitioners and researchers. 

Written by

Marek Preiss