Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale: Psychometric Properties and Measurement Invariance Among a Portuguese Sample

The propensity to morally disengage can be an essential driver of unethical, antisocial, and criminal behavior. The present study examines the psychometric properties of the Propensity to Morally Disengage Scale (PMDS) among a convenience sample of 242 male and female participants (M = 30.19 years, SD = 12.78, range = 16-77) from Portugal. The expected one-factor structure obtained an adequate fit using confirmatory factor analysis. Internal consistency/reliability was adequate as measured by the alpha and omega coefficients. Convergent validity (i.e. with dark traits, low self-control, violence evaluation, and antisociality/criminality tendencies measures), divergent validity (i.e. with basic empathy and light traits of personality measures), and criterion-related validity (e.g. with trouble with the law, arrested by police, sentenced to prison variables) were demonstrated with Pearson and point-biserial correlations. Measurement invariance across gender was established. Significant gender differences in the PMDS scores were found, with males scoring significantly higher than females. Our findings support using the PMDS Portuguese version as a short, valid, and reliable measure of moral disengagement.