How Perspective-Taking Helps and Hinders Group-Based Guilt as a Function of Group Identification

Abstract

In two studies we hypothesized that outgroup perspective-taking promotes group-based guilt among weakly identifi ed perpetrator group members, but hinders it among higher identifi ers. In Study 1, native Dutch participants (N = 153) confronted their group's past mistreatment of outgroups, while perspective-taking was manipulated. This manipulation signifi cantly increased guilt among lower identifi ers, but decreased guilt among higher identifi ers. In addition, guilt predicted positively participants' support for reparation. In Study 2 (N = 217), we replicated this interaction and elaborated on its underlying processes. As predicted, perspective-taking positively predicted feelings of compassion for outgroup members, as well as the perceived responsibility of the ingroup for the harm infl icted. Path analyses indicated the dual role of compassion: it predicted guilt positively among lower identifi ers, but negatively among higher identifi ers. The double-edged potential of perspective-taking for improving relations between groups that have a history on confl ict is discussed.

Seeing Through Their Eyes: When Majority Group Members Take Collective Action on Behalf of an Outgroup

“…Because past research has found that ingroup identifi cation moderates the infl uence of deliberate perspective taking (Zebel et al, 2008), in the present study we also examined how it was related to spontaneous perspective taking. Further, we examined whether feelings of group-based anger were directly related to collective action.…”

“…Specifi cally, as also proposed by Zebel et al (2008), the effects of outgroup perspective taking on group-based guilt and collective action may depend upon the extent to which majority group members are identifi ed with their ingroup. Engaging in outgroup perspective taking may entail negative thinking about the ingroup.…”

“…People who are highly identifi ed with the ingroup resist threats to the positive image of the ingroup, and tend to report feeling little group-based guilt (Doosje, et al, 1998). Consequently, the degree to which one is identifi ed with the ingroup may moderate the infl uence of perspective taking on feelings of group-based guilt (Zebel et al, 2008) and participation in collective action.…”

“…At the individual level, perspective taking is associated with feelings of guilt (Leith & Baumeister, 1998). At the group level, majority group members who take an outgroup's perspective may begin to understand the outgroup's suffering, and perhaps consider the role that the majority group plays in harming the minority group (Zebel, Doosje, & Spears, 2008. Perceiving ingroup responsibility and outgroup suffering may produce feelings of group-based guilt (Branscombe et al, 2002;Mallett & Swim, 2007).…”

“…In a series of studies Zebel et al (2008) asked Dutch participants to imagine themselves as slaves or not and then evaluate scenarios about the Dutch slave trade. Imagining themselves as slaves was positively associated with reports of group-based guilt, but only among participants with low levels of Dutch identifi cation.…”