The Importance of Distinguishing the Belief in a Just World for Self Versus for Others: Implications for Psychological Well-Being

TLDR

The belief in a just world is linked to psychological well‑being. This study investigates how BJW for self versus for others differentially predicts psychological well‑being. Two studies measured depression, stress, and life satisfaction for self and others and assessed personality traits. BJW for self predicts lower depression and stress and higher life satisfaction, whereas BJW for others predicts only life satisfaction when personality is controlled.

Abstract

Studies have shown that the belief in a just world (BJW) is related to psychological well-being. The authors suggest that studies exploring this relationship might benefit by making the distinction between the BJW for self versus for others or in general. In two studies, the authors assessed subjects' perceptions of depression, stress, and life satisfaction for self and for others. Subjects also completed measures of the five-factor model of personality. As predicted, the BJW for self most strongly and consistently predicted decreases in depression and stress, and increases in life satisfaction. When the five personality dimensions were included in the analyses, the BJW for self and for others continued to predict life satisfaction but not depression and stress. The implications of these results concerning the relationship between the BJW and psychological well-being, and how the just world is conceptualized, are discussed.