The Effects of Self-Image Threat on the Judgment of Out-Group Targets

Abstract

The authors argue that individuals may restore their self-esteem by derogating a member of an out-group, but only if they identify with the in-group and hold negative attitudes towards the out-group. In two experiments, the self-image of participants was either enhanced or threatened. Afterwards, participants evaluated an out-group target. The results provided broad support for the assumption that intergroup attitudes and in-group identification moderate the impact of self-image threat on the judgment of an out-group member. Self-image threat led to a more negative evaluation only in participants with negative out-group attitudes. It resulted in a more positive evaluation when participants held positive out-group attitudes and identified less with the in-group.

Self-image threat decreases stereotyping: The role of motivation toward closure

“…For example, Florack et al (2005) demonstrated that threat to an individual’s self-image leads to greater derogation of outgroup targets but only when the individual holds negative attitudes towards the respective outgroup (for similar results see Gagnon and Bourhis 1996). In contrast, when individuals have positive outgroup attitudes they do not perceive an outgroup target more negatively as a consequence of self-image threat.…”

“…Other studies, however, found that self-image threat may not lead to stereotypical thinking and prejudiced behavior, based on the notion that after people misbehave (e.g., act immorally), they regain their self-worth by behaving well or morally (e.g., Brockner and Chen 1996; Monin and Miller 2001; Petersen and Blank 2003; Sachdeva et al 2009; Seta and Seta 1992). Yet other studies demonstrate that without the consideration of moderators, there appears to be no clear main effect of self-image threat on stereotyping and prejudice towards outgroup targets (see: Brockner and Chen 1996; Florack et al 2005). …”

“…For example, Florack et al (2005) showed that a consideration of intergroup attitudes and ingroup identification clarify the relation between self-image threat and stereotypical evaluations of the outgroup. Participants were more likely to derogate the outgroup target as a consequence of self-image threat when they held stereotypes and negative attitudes towards the outgroup.…”

Perceptions of Positive Relationship Traits in Gay and Lesbian Couples

“…Unfortunately, however, this is not always the case, especially for those individuals belonging to an outgroup 11,17,21,30 . This tendency affects all areas of life, but psychological research has tended to focus on ingroup versus outgroup distinctions based on race, skin color, gender, religious affiliation, age, disability, and sexual orientation.…”

Intercultural Misunderstandings: Causes and Solutions

“…People who have a negative self-image can use stereotyping and prejudice to maintain their self-image (Fein & Spencer 1997), creating a potential conflict situation. Florack, Scarabis, and Gosejohann (2005) postulate that stereotyping and prejudices may be used to restore self-esteem. Negative feedback seems to threaten people's self-image and results in evaluating the perceived initiator more negatively in an attempt to restore self-esteem (Fein & Spencer 1997).…”