Two sides of one coin: Honesty–Humility and situational factors mutually shape social dilemma decision making

Abstract Recently, the personality factor of Honesty–Humility has attracted substantial attention. In particular, it has not only been shown to predict several criteria, but also to entail a specific pattern of interaction with situational factors. Herein, we extend previous research on both findings in linking Honesty–Humility to the quintessential social dilemma, the prisoner’s dilemma. In three investigations, we found support that those high in Honesty–Humility were more likely to cooperate – so long as this was sensible in any way. Those low in Honesty–Humility, by contrast, tended to defect – especially when this behavior was very tempting but not risky. Thus, Honesty–Humility shows promise as a crucial basic personality variable predicting social dilemma decision making, especially in interaction with situational factors.