Do Character Strengths Play Any Role in Corrupt Behaviour? Exploring the Influence of Optimism and Gratitude on Corruption Among Nigerians.

Abstract

Descriptions of the psychological character strengths show that they might be beneficial in
tackling antisocial and criminal behaviours. However, this line of thought has remained
largely unexplored. In the present study, focusing on Nigerians, we explored the
possibility that dispositional optimism and gratitude undermine the inclination to be
corrupt, a crime that has ravaged the country and is being blamed for the
underdevelopment of the nation. We employed a survey method in which respondents
completed relevant self-report measures. Data was analysed majorly with hierarchical
regression analysis. Result of the analysis showed that males were more likely to be
corrupt than their female counterparts. The character strength of optimism significantly
undermined individuals' tendency to engage in corrupt behaviours. However, this effect of
optimism did not occur among the younger participants. Gratitude failed to exert a direct
significant effect on inclination to engage in corruption, but higher levels of gratitude
boosted the negative influence of optimism on inclination to engage in corruption.
Generally, the present study has demonstrated the efficacy of character strength in
counteracting corruption and, in line with other emerging findings, increases the call for
more and expanded efforts towards unravelling the possible beneficial effects of character
strengths in addressing antisocial and criminal behaviours.