The effect of perspective taking on negative cognitive responses induced by intergroup threat

Abstract

In two related studies, we explored the influence of perspective taking on the moderation of negative cognitive responses induced by intergroup threat. In Study 1 we recruited undergraduate students at Southwest University who came from rural areas in China. Participants were randomly assigned to either a threat condition group or a control group. We presented to all participants a policy advantageous to urban students and measured their level of opposition. Participants in the threat condition were more opposed to the policy than were the participants in the control condition. In Study 2 we manipulated perspective taking and again measured the level of opposition of a group of students from rural areas to a policy advantageous to urban students. Participants in the perspective-taking condition were less opposed to the policy than were those in the control condition. In summary, perspective taking positively influenced the moderation of negative cognitive responses induced by intergroup threat.