Abstract

Moral identity is crucial in offenders’ moral rehabilitation, yet no validated measure exists for Chinese male offenders. The present study translated the Moral Identity Scale (MIS) and examined its construct validity and reliability in Chinese male offenders (n = 542). A confirmatory factor analysis showed an acceptable fit for the data. The convergent validity was demonstrated by its significant positive correlations with the Moral-self subscale of the Moral Identity Questionnaire. Furthermore, MIS displayed negative correlations with Amorality and Moral Disengagement, and positive correlations with Moral Attitude, Empathic Concern, and Moral Responsibility, indicating a good nomological validity. Regarding discriminant validity, the revised MIS exhibited nonsignificant or weak correlations with Social Desirability and Retributive Justice Expectations, while the two subscales exhibited distinct correlations with Imagination with Sympathy and Perceived Social Injustice. The test-retest reliability over 4 weeks was.68 (n=113). These findings underscore the reliability and validity of the revised MIS.