Pathogen Threat and In-group Cooperation

Abstract

Disease-causing parasites and pathogens play a pivotal role in intergroup behavior. Previous studies have suggested that the selection pressure posed by pathogen threat has resulted in in-group assortative sociality, including xenophobia and in-group favoritism. While the current literature has collated numerous studies on the former, strikingly, there has not been much research on the relationship between pathogen threat and in-group cooperation. Drawing upon prior studies on the function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), we argued that the BIS might facilitate cooperation with in-group members as a reactive behavioral immune response to pathogen threat. More specifically, we held that individuals might utilize cooperative behavior to ensure that they can receive social support when they have contracted an infectious disease. We reviewed existing findings pertaining to the potential role of the BIS in in-group cooperation and discussed directions for future studies.

Individual Disgust and Collective Anxiety: A Two-Layer Framework of the Behavioral Immune System

“…Once formed, these two kinds of relations can exist simultaneously in a cultural system, and their proportion in the group, the strength of relationship construction, and the extension of relations will profoundly affect the development of culture. diseases at the collective level (Imada & Mifune, 2021). The effectiveness of cooperation among individuals has been demonstrated in previous research on avian flu (Ferguson et al, 2005).…”

“…Activation of the behavioral immune system requires cues related to pathogen information, while activation of the collective-level behavioral immune system will increase the intensity of social norms and the frequency of healthy behaviors within groups, reducing the risk of infection caused by intragroup violations (Morsky et al, 2022;Szekely et al, 2021). In addition, activation of the group behavioral immune system can also promote cooperative behavior and provide social support to individuals (Imada & Mifune, 2021). Implementation of public health measures also helps reduce the public's perception of health risks, which is closely related to group health anxiety (Malhotra et al, 2020;Mohd Salleh Sahimi et al, 2021;Renner et al, 2008).…”

Does COVID-19 threat relate to intergroup attitudes? A test in the U.K.

“…Our meta-analyses, overall, provided little evidence that COVID-19 threat is meaningfully associated with in-group attitudes. Imada and Mifune (2021) suggested that fear of contracting a disease might not necessarily be relevant to in-group attitudes. They argue that pathogen stress had shaped in-group-oriented attitudes because this would help individuals acquire social support when they are sick and in need of support.…”

“…Fincher and Thornhill (2012) argued that the BIS triggers behavioral avoidance toward others living outside of their natal area (i.e., out-group members) but also behavioral approach toward in-group members, and several studies have collated supporting evidence (e.g., Laakasuo et al, 2018; Navarrete & Fessler, 2006). First, studies show that the BIS is associated with in-group-oriented feelings and behaviors, such as increased positive in-group attitudes, conformity, and collectivism (see Imada & Mifune, 2021). Second, evidence suggests that the more sensitive individuals are to pathogens, the more negative their attitudes toward out-group members—especially immigrants (Aaroe et al, 2017; Faulkner et al, 2004; Hodson et al, 2013; Ji et al, 2019; Karinen et al, 2019; Kim et al, 2016).…”

Resting parasympathetic activity is associated with malodor‐induced change in perceived foreignness of speakers

“…Increased linguistic distance could promote avoidance of those that may be associated with a higher risk of infection. Similarly, a concomitant decrease in the perceived linguistic distance between participants and ingroup members may facilitate affiliative and approach‐related behaviors aimed at garnering sources of support if actual infections were to occur (Imada & Mifune, 2021 ). This is consistent with research that found that injection with an immune stimulant (lipopolysaccharide) elicited increased desire to spend time with support figures (Inagaki et al., 2015 ).…”