Aversive Personality and the Moral Mind: Cross-Cultural Links Between the D-Factor and Moral Foundations

Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) proposes that moral judgements arise from distinct yet universal psychological systems, shaped by multiple factors such as social learning. Personality traits also shape (and are shaped by) moral priorities. Prior research linking socially aversive traits to moral foundations has yielded heterogeneous and often contradictory results, likely due to trait-specific approaches and culturally limited samples. The present study addresses these limitations by examining the Dark Factor of Personality (D), the common core underlying all aversive traits, as a broad dispositional predictor of moral foundations across cultures. Using data from 101,433 participants across 32 countries, we tested whether D systematically undermines endorsement of moral foundations and whether these associations vary by cultural environment. D showed robust negative associations to the individualizing foundations (care/harm, fairness/reciprocity), reflecting reduced concern for others’ welfare and justice. Smaller and more variable negative associations emerged for the binding foundations (ingroup/loyalty, authority/respect, and purity/sanctity), with positive relations in some countries, suggesting that endorsement of these concerns may serve instrumental purposes for high-D individuals in certain contexts. Moderator analyses further revealed that the association between D and moral foundations was qualified by various cultural characteristics. Overall, the findings clarify the relationship between aversive personality and morality and underscore the importance of integrating personality and cultural frameworks to better understand the moral psychology of aversive traits and how it interacts with cultural aspects.