Does debt pressure lead to unethical behaviour intention? Evidence on aggregate and individual levels

Abstract

Studies have shown that debt pressure impairs people's subjective well-being and social functioning, but few studies have examined its moral consequences. To explore the relationship between debt pressure and unethical behaviour intention, we conducted three studies and obtained aggregate-level (Study 1) and individual-level evidence (Studies 2 and 3). Study 1 analysed data on quarterly search volumes related to unethical behaviour intention on Baidu and quarterly measures of debt pressure in China, demonstrating that increased debt pressure predicted subsequent greater levels of unethical behaviour intention. Study 2 found that, compared with the control condition, individuals in the debt pressure condition exhibited greater unethical behaviour intention. Study 3 further tested the mediating role of self-control and showed that individuals under high debt pressure evinced diminished self-control and, in turn, displayed more unethical behaviour intention.