ABSTRACT
According to just-world theory, people have a need to believe in a just world where individuals get what they deserve. Instances of injustice, such as innocent suffering, will threaten this need and, in turn, will motivate people to try to restore their belief in a just world. Although researchers have suggested different strategies people might use to restore their belief in a just world in the face of threat, little research has addressed the question, “When and for whom are different just-world preservation strategies preferred?” In the present chapter the authors review research that, at least indirectly, suggests answers to this question. They begin with a description of different just-world preservation strategies, then discuss several potential situational predictors of strategy preference, including variables that likely influence the effortfulness, availability, and effectiveness of just-world preservation strategies, as well as the usefulness of various strategies in addressing other needs. Potential individual difference predictors are then reviewed, including ideological beliefs, justice beliefs, demographic variables, and coping style. Finally, the authors discuss several implications as well as considerations for future research that arise from their review.
