A school rampage threatens beliefs in justice: A longitudinal study of the belief in a just world among Chinese adolescents

Abstract

Introduction: The current study examined whether and how severe injustice such as a school attack threatens the belief in a just world (BJW).

Method: We collected longitudinal data on the BJW from adolescents in China who witnessed random school attacks on the news (N = 227).

Results: Change analyses provided evidence that the BJW increased after witnessing severe injustice. Furthermore, we tested for moderating effects of buffer variables, such as life satisfaction and perceived social support, on change in the BJW. Findings showed that these variables buffered the threat to the BJW after observing unfairness.

Discussion: We discuss these results in the context of justice motive theory and suggest implications for future research and practical implications.

Keywords: belief in a just world; buffer variables; life satisfaction; school attack; social support.