Agency, justice, and morality: exploring the intersection of belief in free will, the just world hypothesis, and health behavior

This mini-review synthesizes empirical and theoretical insights on how belief in free will and the just world hypothesis jointly shape moral judgment and health behavior. It examines whether changes in these agency-related beliefs systematically affect prosociality, responsibility attribution, blame, and compassion, both independently and interactively. Experimental findings indicate that diminishing belief in free will increases dishonesty and reduces empathy, while stronger just world beliefs are linked to victim-blaming, harsher moral judgment, and rationalization of inequality. The review also considers how these beliefs extend to health, where strong agency convictions can promote motivation, self-regulation, and healthier lifestyles, yet simultaneously heighten stigma toward individuals facing obesity, mental illness, or other health challenges. Drawing on cross-cultural and health psychology frameworks, the paper argues that culturally sensitive interventions are needed to harness the motivational benefits of agency while reducing blame, stigma, and exclusion in health and moral policy.