In the first phase of the project, we focused on identifying effective ways to increase self-knowledge about moral character. We tested whether interventions like personality feedback or guided introspection could motivate individuals to reflect on their moral strengths and weaknesses.
A series of pilot studies compared different feedback types—based on self-reports, peer reports, or introspection—and assessed participant reactions. Feedback based on self-reports proved most effective and scalable. Peer reports added little and posed practical challenges. We also developed a shorter, more accessible version of our introspection task, which retained key reflective elements.
These findings informed a large-scale study comparing four self-knowledge intervention groups: one received personality feedback, another engaged in introspection, a third experienced both, and a fourth served as a control. Results showed that personality feedback most effectively motivated participants to set goals for moral change. These findings are currently being prepared for publication.
In parallel, we addressed foundational questions about the nature and measurement of self-knowledge. We organized a structured international consensus process involving 17 leading psychology experts. Through surveys and a workshop, the group developed a shared definition of self-knowledge, outlined measurement criteria, and discussed its adaptability. A resulting paper is in preparation for Nature Reviews Psychology, which invited the submission.
We also developed a new psychological instrument—the Trait Morality Questionnaire (TMQ)—which assesses five key moral traits: honesty, fairness, compassion, modesty, and gratitude. In developing the Trait Morality Questionnaire (TMQ), we first evaluated an existing instrument—the Moral Character Questionnaire (MCQ)—but found significant psychometric and conceptual limitations. These findings underscored the need for a more robust and comprehensive tool, leading to the development of the TMQ. The TMQ is currently being validated in English and German and will be made publicly available for research and practical use.
Beyond these core achievements, we published two scientific review articles that explore key aspects of self-knowledge, including the concept of “willful ignorance”—when individuals avoid morally relevant information about themselves. These reviews, published in Current Opinion in Psychology, help position the project as a key contributor to emerging conversations about self-insight, ethics, and personal growth.
Finally, we have begun the next project phases, which focus on testing the practical impact of increased self-knowledge and on developing strategies for long-term personality change. One new study investigates whether increasing self-knowledge about moral character leads to more cooperative behavior, such as in economic games. This study aims to provide concrete evidence that self-knowledge can translate into more ethical and prosocial behavior.
Another paper, invited for submission to American Psychologist, develops a conceptual framework for moral personality change. It integrates research on volitional personality change with insights from health behavior on habit formation. This work will guide the development of an intervention targeting trait morality.
