Psychological underpinnings of democracy: Empathy, authoritarianism, self-esteem, interpersonal trust, normative identity style, and openness to experience as predictors of support for democratic values

► We examine the effect of individual differences on support for democratic values. ► Authoritarianism and empathy are the strongest predictors. ► Normative identity, openness to experience, interpersonal trust are good predictors. ► Self-esteem is not directly related to democratic values. ► The precursor dispositions for democratic commitments might develop at an early age.