Development and initial validation of a procedural and distributive just world measure

Belief in a Just World Theory proposes that individuals need to believe that people get what they deserve. We suggest that individual differences in just world beliefs may reflect perceived deservedness of both procedural and distributive justice criteria. Two samples were used to analyze the reliability, factor structure, invariance and validity of a newly proposed just world measure. In both samples, there was strong evidence of distinct procedural and distributive just world beliefs, suggesting that individuals may be characterized not only by their consideration for the deservingness of outcomes, but also rules, processes or interpersonal treatment. This new focus on a procedural–distributive just world distinction can bridge individual differences issues with other areas of justice research, where the importance of procedural justice judgments is well recognized.