Abstract
Despite the consequences of ethnic moral disengagement, such as ethnic bullying, racism, and prejudice, a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively counter it remains an ongoing area of research. The present study proposes an association between ethnic moral disengagement and three individual dimensions: the executive function of inhibitory control, a reflective cognitive style, and personal values that reflect growth-oriented motivations in contrast to self-defensive ones. By evaluating these dimensions respectively through a behavioral task, a cognitive measure, and a self-report instrument, the aim is to understand the role of basic behavioral capability, cognitive reflection, and growth-oriented values in reducing ethnic moral disengagement. The study, conducted on 413 participants (243 female, M = 19.60 years, SD = 1.46) using a structural equation modeling approach, found that while inhibitory control was not significantly linked to ethnic moral disengagement, reflective information processing and broader value horizons may constitute a key resource for opposing it. Overall, these results suggest that individuals who adopt such a reflective and growth-oriented mindset may elaborate differences and unfamiliar encounters as opportunities rather than as threats to be defended against by justifying themselves and externally displacing responsibility for their decisions and actions.
Published Version
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