Abstract
This article presents a systematic review of the psychological literature on corruption. Models, methodologies, processes, and factors involved in the study and understanding of moral judgment and agency in corruption scenarios were identified. Based on the analysis of 61 studies (conducted from 2013 to 2024) using the PRISMA methodology and bibliometric tools, four thematic focuses were identified: bribery in experimental settings, the psychological impact of perceived corruption, individual predictors of corrupt intention, and culture, values, and institutional legitimacy. The findings show that corrupt decisions are not explained by rational calculation. This cognitive phenomenon links the interaction of moral emotions (shame), relational closeness between people, the perception of contextual elements (perceived risk, institutional legitimacy), and cultural and personal beliefs. The study concludes that the psychology of moral development does not present a unified model. This heterogeneity raises the question of integrating cognitive, affective, normative, and interdisciplinary dimensions to explain corruption.
| Translated title of the contribution | Agency and judgment in the study of corruption: A systematic review from psychology |
|---|---|
| Original language | Spanish |
| Pages (from-to) | 1-18 |
| Number of pages | 18 |
| Journal | Universitas Psychologica |
| Volume | 24 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 08 Oct 2025 |
UN SDGs
This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
-
SDG 16 Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
Keywords
- Moral judgment
- moral agency
- corruption
- moral psychology
- ethical decision-making
Fingerprint
Dive into the research topics of 'Agency and judgment in the study of corruption: A systematic review from psychology'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.Cite this
- APA
- Author
- BIBTEX
- Harvard
- Standard
- RIS
- Vancouver