Evidence for the regulatory function of intergroup emotion: Emotional consequences of implemented or impeded intergroup action tendencies

Angela T. Maitner, Diane M. Mackie, Eliot R. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

If intergroup emotions are functional, successfully implementing an emotion-linked behavioral tendency should discharge the emotion, whereas impeding the behavioral tendency should intensify the emotion. We investigated the emotional consequences of satisfying or thwarting emotionally induced intergroup behavioral intentions. Study 1 showed that if an attack on the ingroup produced anger, retaliation increased satisfaction, but if an attack produced fear, retaliation increased fear and guilt. Study 2 showed that outgroup-directed anger instigated via group insult dissipated when the ingroup successfully responded, but was exacerbated by an unsuccessful response. Responding in an emotionally appropriate way was satisfying, but ingroup failure to respond elicited anger directed at the ingroup. Study 3 showed that intergroup guilt following aggression was diminished when the ingroup made reparations, but was exacerbated when the ingroup aggressed again. Satisfying behavioral intentions associated with intergroup emotions fulfills a regulatory function.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)720-728
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology
Volume42
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Nov 2006

Keywords

  • Behavior
  • Intergroup emotions
  • Intergroup relations
  • Regulation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Social Psychology
  • Sociology and Political Science

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