The psychology of criminal authority: Introducing the Legitimacy of Secret Power Scale.

ABSTRACT: The state's monopoly on sovereignty can be challenged by criminal systems capable of gaining legitimacy within communities. Understanding the psychological basis of such legitimacy requires broadening traditional conceptualizations of authority to consider how it operates without legal backing and outside formal channels. This research introduces the Legitimacy of Secret Power (L-SP) Scale, a tool measuring individuals' appraisal of illegal groups' power. We validated L-SP through three studies (N _total = 3,173). Findings demonstrate a reliable, 20-item mono-factorial structure. Study 3 tested L-SP's measurement invariance in the UK, Italy, Japan, and the US. Across studies, L-SP correlated with support for illegality, ideologies of masculine honor, and social dominance.

SUBMITTER: Travaglino GA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11928288 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature