The Morality‐Agency‐Communion (MAC) model of respect and liking

Traits can primarily facilitate one's own goals (agentic) or those of others (communal) with the former linked with respect and the latter with liking. However, communal traits vary in morality, which has been associated with respect. Four studies tested the impact of traits varying in morality, agency (competence or assertiveness) and communion (warmth) on ratings of respect and liking. Studies 1 and 2 used vignettes targeting integrity (communion-moral), competency (agency-competence) and friendliness (communion-warmth), while Studies 3 and 4 considered a broader range of pre-rated traits (Studies 3 and 4). Communal traits with a limited moral component were associated more with liking than with respect. Communal traits with a stronger moral component were associated at least as, and sometimes more, strongly with respect than liking. Moral traits were the most respected trait type and were similarly liked as warmth traits. Morality influences whether communal traits primarily influence liking and/or respect.