Conventionalism is one of the personality traits associated with prejudice, according to Adorno. Reflexive obedience to norms perceived as socially acceptable, the valuing of status more than emotional qualities such as empathy and unquestioning acceptance of social conventions are typical manifestations of this psychological profile.
Prejudice is associated with the tendency toward authoritarian submissiveness, Adorno found. This psychological profile is manifested through a fixation on honor and group loyalty, a belief in the necessity of punishment and the valorization of hierarchical systems as the basis of morality. A belief in the intrinsic goodness of submission to authority is typical of this personality type.
Adorno's research found that unchecked aggression, an inability to moderate impulses and a tendency to see violence as an optimal solution are all psychological tendencies associated with prejudice. He also observed that prejudice is often accompanied by contempt, rage and hate; this personality type tends to view with approval those who use force to gain power.
The tendency towards defensiveness is another attribute of many prejudiced individuals, Adorno claimed. Withdrawal, suspicion of the new and different, hostility towards outsiders and exaggerated fear of danger are characteristics of this personality type. Cynicism, lack of trust and generalized resentment may indicate a propensity towards prejudice.
Research published by Eugene Hartley in 1946 concurred with the view which would later be given by Adorno. Hartley found that those who had prejudicial attitudes tended not to limit their bias to one group, but rather to exhibit bias against anyone they perceived to be an outsider. This result was demonstrated in part by the fact that prejudiced individuals issued condemnations of fictitious "outsider" groups, unaware that they were invented for the purpose of the study.