Beginning with the assumption that a justice motive exists, the author posits that belief in a just world influences the behavior of most people most of the time. This is true for all people of all ages and in all areas of life, for those struggling with their daily tasks as well as for those coping with a critical life event. An individual's belief in a just world is a necessary condition for a person's sense of fairness and mediates its adaptive effect on mental health.

Inhalt

1. The Meaning of the Belief in a Just World.- 2. The Development of the Belief in a Just World.- 3. Functions of the Belief in a Just World.- 4. Coping with an Unjust Fate.- 5. Conclusion.- Epilogue.- The General Belief in a Just World Scale (Dalbert, Montada, & Schmitt, 1987).- The Personal Belief in a Just World Scale (Dalbert, 1999).- Items of the Justice Centrality Scale (Dalbert, Montada, & Schmitt, 1987).- Items of the Trait Well-Being Inventory (Dalbert, 1992).- Satisfaction with Life.- Mood Level.- References.