The Effects of Stereotyping and Implicit Theory on Benevolent Prejudice Toward Aboriginal Canadians

Abstract

Stereotyping and implicit theory on benevolent prejudice toward an Aboriginal student were investigated in a mock work setting. In a 2 (Stereotype: prime vs. no prime) × 2 (Theory: entity vs. incremental) × 2 (Race: Aboriginal vs. Caucasian) between‐subjects design, non‐Aboriginal participants were primed or not primed with a negative Aboriginal stereotype and an entity or incremental implicit theory before evaluating an Aboriginal or Caucasian student. Consistent with a benevolent prejudice perspective, when primed with the stereotype, only participants holding an entity theory expressed greater desire to help the Aboriginal compared to the Caucasian candidate, despite both candidates demonstrating identical performance information. Implications for prejudice in work environments are discussed.

Childhood adversity, perceived discrimination, and coping strategies in relation to depressive symptoms among First Nations adults in Canada: The moderating role of unsupportive social interactions from ingroup and outgroup members.

“…Childhood adversity has been linked with increased levels of perceived discrimination in both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal minority adults, which was, in turn, associated with elevated depressive symptoms (Allen, Myers, & Williams, 2014; Bombay, Matheson, & Anisman, 2011). Indeed, Aboriginal peoples are a highly stigmatized group and face elevated rates of interpersonal and systemic discrimination (Bombay, Matheson, & Anisman, 2010; EKOS, 2006a, 2006b; Werhun & Penner, 2010). Not unexpectedly, perceptions of both subtle and more overt forms of discrimination have been associated with poor psychological well-being, including depressive symptoms (Bombay et al, 2010; Bombay, Matheson, & Anisman, 2014b; Whitbeck, McMorris, Hoyt, Stubben, & LaFromboise, 2002) and suicidal behaviors (Walls, Chapple & Johnson, 2007; Yoder, Whitbeck, Hoyt, & LaFromboise, 2006).…”

Responding to news about a natural disaster: The interplay of group identification and social cynicism in perceived prototypicality

“…Likewise, people's (e.g., Israeli Jews') general beliefs in fixedness (vs. malleability) of groups predict negative attitudes toward a group with long-standing conflict (e.g., Palestinians) and in turn negatively predict willingness to compromise for peace (Halperin, Russell, Trzesniewski, Gross, & Dweck, 2011). These results reveal the importance of studying the cognitive processes, especially basic assumptions and beliefs about human nature, underlying perceptions of group prototype (Hong, Chao, & No, 2009;Werhun & Penner, 2010).…”

PILAR: A Model of Collaboration to Encapsulate Social Psychology

“…The opposing approach assumes that others cannot adapt to change, for instance, a medical professional's hesitation to deliver a poor prognosis (Larson & Yao, 2005; Mack et al, 2007; Miyaji, 1993). Hence, members who do not suggest change may rationalize their behaviors by denigrating colleagues’ ability to adapt (Werhun & Penner, 2010).…”