Reducing aggressive intergroup action tendencies: effects of intergroup contact via perceived intergroup threat.
Two studies tested the prediction that more positive intergroup contact would be associated with reduced aggressive intergroup action tendencies, an effect predicted to occur indirectly via reduced intergroup threat perceptions, and over and above well-established effects of contact on intergroup attitudes. Study 1, using data based on a cross-section of the general population of eight European countries (France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, and the UK; N = 7,042), examined this hypothesis in the context of aggressive action tendencies towards immigrants. Study 2, using longitudinal data obtained from a general population sample in Northern Ireland, considered effects on aggressive action tendencies between ethno-religious groups in conflict. Both studies confirmed our predictions, showing that while perceived threat was associated with greater intergroup aggressive tendencies, positive intergroup contact was indirectly associated with reduced aggressive action tendencies, via reduced intergroup threat. Findings are discussed in terms of the theoretical contributions of this research for understanding the relationship between intergroup contact and intergroup aggression.
['Schmid|Katharina|K|', 'Hewstone|Miles|M|', 'Küpper|Beate|B|', 'Zick|Andreas|A|', 'Tausch|Nicole|N|']
D000293:Adolescent D000328:Adult D000368:Aged D000369:Aged, 80 and over D000374:Aggression D003431:Cross-Cultural Comparison D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies D004641:Emigration and Immigration D064868:Ethnic Violence D005060:Europe D005260:Female D005602:France D005858:Germany D006126:Group Processes D006801:Humans D006814:Hungary D007398:Interpersonal Relations D007558:Italy D008137:Longitudinal Studies D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D009426:Netherlands D009660:Northern Ireland D011044:Poland D011174:Portugal D012919:Social Behavior D006113:United Kingdom D065806:Xenophobia D055815:Young Adult
intergroup contact perceived intergroup threat aggressive action tendencies longitudinal data intergroup conflict