Intergroup Interactions Research Articles

A post-Brexit intergroup contact intervention reduces affective polarization between Leavers and Remainers short-term

With mounting evidence of the harmful societal consequences of affective polarization, it is crucial to find ways of addressing it. Employing a randomized controlled trial, this study tested the effectiveness of an intervention based on theories of intergroup contact and interpersonal communication in reducing affective polarization in the context of Brexit. Participants were 120 UK self-identified Leavers and Remainers. Sixty Leaver-Remainer dyads were randomized to engage in either a facilitated intergroup interaction or a control interaction, which was equivalent in structure and tone but was unrelated to Brexit identities. Different aspects of affective polarization were assessed one month prior, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Results indicate that the intervention increased warmth toward the outgroup, reduced unfavourable attributions of the sources of outgroup positions, and increased willingness to compromise, but only short-term. There were no statistically significant longer-term effects of the intervention. Evidence of selective attrition further suggests that those with more extreme baseline opinions were more likely to drop out. Our findings highlight the challenges of designing effective interventions that engender enduring attitude change in polarized contexts and of engaging those with extreme political views. This study can provide a useful framework for future research.

Emerging Insights on the Role of Social Networks in Intergroup Friendship

Research on intergroup friendships has historically focused on individuals and dyads. Only recently has research begun to examine intergroup friendship in the context of the broader web of social relationships in which individuals and dyads are embedded. This review highlights emerging research on the role of social networks in intergroup friendship, with a focus on interracial friendship. In particular, we examine how social networks shape opportunities to form intergroup friendships, influence intergroup attitudes, and affect ongoing intergroup interactions and relationships. This emerging work reveals how friendships across group lines are shaped not only by the individuals involved but also by their other friends, the attitudes of those around them, and the structure and context of their broader social network. Though nascent, social network research has already begun to offer novel insights into foundational intergroup theories and inform future interventions to foster intergroup friendships.

Tested by the COVID-19 economic shock: peace-positive entrepreneurship and intergroup collaboration in post-conflict business recovery

ABSTRACT Establishing economic collaboration between previously antagonistic groups during post-conflict business recovery advances peacebuilding by nurturing intergroup ties. However, we have a limited understanding of how post-conflict intergroup economic collaboration develops and how it is sustained. We address these gaps from the perspective of peace-positive entrepreneurship. Specifically, an ecosystem approach that we apply directs analysis to dynamic entrepreneurial action in the local context. To examine the role of intergroup interactions in decision-making of entrepreneurs in post-conflict business recovery and in response to the economic disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we conducted fieldwork on two micro-economies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Our findings demonstrate that entrepreneurs’ engagement across ethnic lines was a main facet of resource mobilisation strategies that enabled them to (re)establish and develop market presence post-conflict. Likewise, intergroup economic collaboration was a lynchpin of entrepreneurs’ effective response to the COVID-19 economic shock. This path-dependent analysis of entrepreneurial action shows that intergroup economic collaboration is not simply a side-effect of post-conflict business recovery and development. Rather, intergroup economic collaboration also needs to be actively pursued by entrepreneurs attuned to the local context. Intergroup economic collaboration can be instrumental in business (re)engagement in the post-conflict economy, generating wider benefits to peacebuilding.

Subtle yet encouraging developments: exploring intergroup relations between Arab and Jewish college students over seven years

IntroductionThis study investigates the dynamics of intranational intergroup contact between Arab and Jewish students in a higher education institution in Israel. Guided by the contact hypothesis, the research examines the gap between students’ willingness for intergroup closeness and their reported actual intergroup interactions.MethodsUsing a cross-sectional survey design, quantitative data were collected from a total of 733 Arab and Jewish students at two timepoints: in 2016 (n = 419) and in 2023 (n = 314). All students were studying to become physical education teachers.ResultsThe findings revealed both persistent challenges and encouraging trends in intergroup relationships. Despite reported willingness for meaningful connections, the students’ reported actual intergroup interactions remained limited. A significant increase in willingness for academic and friendship relationships was observed from 2016 to 2023, suggesting the potential for constructive change. Arab students consistently reported higher willingness for closeness and more frequent interactions than their Jewish counterparts.DiscussionThese findings underscore the importance of structured interventions in higher education settings to foster meaningful intergroup relations, amidst broader societal challenges.

Exploring Egalitarianism: A Conceptual and Methodological Review of Egalitarianism and Impacts on Positive Intergroup Relations.

Considerable research on intergroup relations emphasizes attitudes, motivations, and emotions that lead to the reduction of prejudice. While factors that actively promote positive intergroup interactions have been emerging, a central theoretical framework has not been formally proposed. To address this gap, we engaged a positive psychology lens to explore how researchers have defined key indicators and consider the positive counterparts of traditional prejudice-reduction models to begin building a new framework of egalitarianism. After scanning 16,840 records that emerged in PsycInfo using keywords "egalitarian", "non-prejudice", and "intergroup", we assessed 158 articles for eligibility. Among the relevant articles (N = 54), we analyzed authors' definitions, methods of measurement, types of processes, and outcomes associated with egalitarian values as they related to intergroup behavior. Overall, there was notable variability in how researchers conceptualized and studied egalitarianism. We discuss the five broad categories of egalitarianism (prejudice reduction, universal orientation, concern for others, positive expression, and low social dominance orientation) and how they relate to positive or negative and approach or avoidant outcomes. Through these findings, we urge scholars to utilize a centralized model for studying egalitarianism in intergroup contexts moving forward.

Increased levels of urine volatile organic compounds are associated with hypertension risk.

Individuals are exposed to various volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in their surroundings. VOCs were associated with some cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, but the effects on blood pressure (BP) have not yet been clarified. This study aimed to ascertain the relationship between the urine levels of VOCs and the prevalence of hypertension (HTN) in the general population. This analysis utilized data from 4156 participants aged from 20 to 79 years in 2013-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Exposure to VOCs was assessed through measurements of urinary VOC metabolites, with 16 VOCs selected for analysis. The relationships between VOCs and the risk of HTN in patients were examined through the weighted logistic regression and the weighted linear regression models. Generalized additive models were employed to analyze potential nonlinear associations between VOCs and the risk of HTN. Additionally, subgroup analyses and intergroup interaction tests were conducted. A total of 4156 participants with 16 VOCs were finally included for analysis. Multivariable logistic regression showed that ln-transformed urine levels of N-acetyl-S-(2-cyanoethyl)-L-cysteine (CYMA) [odds ratio (OR) 1.54; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.18-2.02], N-acetyl-S-(3-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine (3HPMA; OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.03-1.74), N-acetyl-S-(4-hydroxy-2-butenyl)-L-cysteine (MHBMA3; OR 1.68; 95% CI 1.29-2.20), and N-acetyl-S-(1-phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine + N-acetyl-S-(2-phenyl-2-hydroxyethyl)-L-cysteine (PHEMA; OR 1.55; 95% CI 1.19-2.00) were significantly associated with an increased risk of HTN in US general population. A nonlinear relationship and a threshold effect were only observed between ln (N-acetyl-S-(2-hydroxypropyl)-L-cysteine or 2HPMA) and HTN. There was a significantly positive correlation between ln(2HPMA) and HTN when ln(2HPMA) at least 5.29. Sub-analysis revealed that there was a more pronounced association in the elderly group (age ≥60 years), the overweight group (BMI ≥25), and the alcohol consumption group. Our work presents novel epidemiological evidence supporting the establishment of the relationship between environmental pollutants and HTN, highlighting hitherto ignored positive correlations between nonoccupational VOC exposure and the entire population's risk of HTN.

A Novel Brillouin and Langevin Functions Dynamic Model for Two Conflicting Social Groups: Study of R&D Processes

We consider a two-group social conflict under the corporates’ research and development (R&D) business processes. Conflict participants are divided into two groups depending on their attitude to new ideas, technologies, and behavioral style for R&D creative problems—innovators and adapters. We reveal the contradiction that arises between the need to include both types of employees in one project team and their objectively antagonistic positions regarding the methods and approaches to R&D processes. The proposed research methodology is based on a modern post-non-classical paradigm formed on the principles of coherence, interdisciplinarity, openness, and nonlinearity, as well as a sociophysical approach to the social conflicts modeling. We use the general theories of magnetism, paramagnetism, and functions of P. Langevin and L. Brillouin to describe the dynamics of group participants’ preferences regarding the style of conflict behavior. The analogy of paramagnetism, consisting in the orienting effect of the magnetic field, is used to describe social groups interactions that have not only their own interests, but are also influenced by the opinions of opposite social groups. A two-dimensional, four-parameter map represents the dynamics of group conflict. Modeling results show that regardless of the initial states and with certain parameters of intra-group and intergroup interactions, the trajectories eventually converge to an attractor (limit cycle) in a two-dimensional space. No non-periodic or chaotic modes are identified in the two-group conflict, which determines the controllability of the described conflict. The results of the simulation experiments are used as decision support and contradictions resolution aimed at forming the required modes of the corporates’ research and development business processes and ensuring the group participants’ cohesion and depolarization. The results of testing the model at an industrial enterprise are presented.

Enhancement of joint flanker effect in intergroup competition.

Representing the mental state of the partner lays the foundation for successful social interaction. While the representation of group members has been extensively studied, it is unclear how intergroup interactions affect it. In three experiments utilizing the joint flanker task, we found that competition between groups brought about a greater joint flanker effect (Experiment 1). Such phenomenon was not due to competition per se, as competition that occurred between individuals from different groups did not enhance the joint flanker effect (Experiment 2). Using the minimal grouping method to directly manipulate group entitativity, we found that the joint flanker effect was larger when participants perceived the group as being more closely connected; conversely, when they perceived the group as less close, the joint flanker effect was attenuated (Experiment 3). These results suggested that beliefs about the group may be key to how group competition enhanced the joint flanker effect. The potential cognitive mechanisms producing this phenomenon are fully discussed. Overall, our study is the first to explore the impact of intergroup interactions on the joint flanker effect and provides a new perspective on understanding the relationship between within-group representations and intergroup interactions.

The role of between-group signaling in the evolution of primate ornamentation

Abstract Gregarious mammals interact to varying degrees and in a variety of ways with neighboring groups. Since navigating this wider social environment via conventional means (social knowledge) may be challenging, we hypothesize that between-group socio-spatial dynamics have exerted strong selection on phenotypic markers of individual identity, quality, and competitive ability. Ornaments are sexually selected decorative traits with far-reaching signaling potential. Here, we examined the links between sexual dimorphism in ornamentation, home range use and encounter rates across 144 primate species in a Bayesian framework. We show that home range overlap (shared space among neighbors), an indicator of the complexity of between-group interactions (but not necessarily male-male competition), is positively associated with dimorphism in ornamentation. We find no clear effect for between-group encounter rates. We also find that inter-group interactions were less agonistic when there was greater home range overlap. Taken together, these findings indicate that ornaments play a hitherto underappreciated role in signaling to conspecifics outside the realms of their home groups.

Camouflaged Object Detection via Dual-branch Fusion and Dual Self-similarity constraints

Camouflaged Object Detection (COD) remains a challenging task due to the inherent difficulty in distinguishing concealed objects from their surroundings, primarily owing to their high visual similarity. Current research efforts have been insufficient in distinguishing the similarity differences between camouflaged objects and their corresponding backgrounds, leading to suboptimal performance, particularly when locating small-scale objects. To solve this issue, we introduce a novel Dual-branch Fusion and Dual Self-similarity Network (DSNet) comprising three modules. The first, a dual-branch fusion, mimics human observation of camouflaged objects and extracts multi-angle information. Dual-branch features are then decoded using a symmetric joint decoder module with channel interaction via multi-stage inter-group interaction. Inspired by natural organisms’ self-similarity, the self-similarity constraint module employs global and mutual constraints to identify subtle foreground-background differences. DSNet shows superior performance in experiments, and the constraint module can enhance other models as a plug-and-play component, further boosting overall performance.

Wuhan residents perceptions of prejudice and discrimination and the social categorization processes during and after the COVID-19 lockdown: A qualitative study

Although studies have focused on intergroup biases (e.g., discrimination) during the COVID-19 pandemic, little is known about the underlying mechanisms driving intergroup bias, specifically social categorization. In-depth interviews were conducted among 32 residents of Wuhan, P.R. China, during and after the initial COVID-19 lockdown (Jan-July, 2020). Interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was applied to describe perceived prejudice and discrimination and the intergroup interaction processes. Results indicated that: (1) Wuhan residents’ interpretations of perceived prejudice and discrimination evolved over time, especially regarding views of the pandemic prevention measures; (2) intergroup contact, emotional factors and cognitive factors influenced individuals’ perceptions of prejudice and discrimination; (3) social categorization and integration processes underwent changes across different stages of the COVID-19 pandemic in Wuhan, encompassing the lockdown and reopening; (4) the group identity of recovered COVID-19 patients was easily solidified; (5) in the group integration process, emphasizing common attributes between groups, individualized media coverage and positive aspects of intergroup interactions weakened intergroup boundaries and promoted group integration. These results enrich existing knowledge about perceived discrimination and social categorization processes of a suddenly marginalized group through qualitative research methods.

A Bibliometric Analysis of the Implementation of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the Technology Industry

This study presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the technology industry, focusing on thematic clusters, research trends, potential research topics, and author collaborations. The analysis reveals that diversity and inclusion are central themes, with significant attention also given to gender diversity, equality, and innovation. Recent research trends highlight emerging areas such as accessibility, disability, and artificial intelligence. Potential research topics identified include accessibility and inclusive design, intersectionality, and the role of leadership in promoting DEI. The author collaboration network shows strong intra-group collaborations but limited inter-group interactions, suggesting opportunities for broader interdisciplinary research. This analysis provides valuable insights into the current state of DEI research in the tech industry and identifies key areas for future exploration to foster more inclusive and equitable environments.

Conference in Memory of M.Y. Kondratiev: Topical Issues of Optimization of Interpersonal and Intergroup Interaction

Conference in Memory of M.Y. Kondratiev: Topical Issues of Optimization of Interpersonal and Intergroup Interaction

Negotiating Between Belief and Custom: The Encounters of Han Muslim Converts in China

ABSTRACT The conversion of Han Chinese in the Peoples Republic of China (PRC) to Islam is a complex and dynamic process that goes beyond the mere adoption of a new faith. Potential converts undergo a multifaceted journey involving learning about Islam, reflecting on Hui and Han ethnic cultures and customs, and understanding the historical relationship between Islam as a religion and ethnic Hui Chinese people. Through this process, Han converts gradually develop a pluralistic and multilayered identity that encompasses their Han ethnicity and Muslim faith. The article emphasizes the importance of daily inter-group interactions and the use of various strategies to resolve conflicts while adhering to Islamic beliefs. It introduces a theoretical framework consisting of discursive, local, and configurable values to analyze the nuances of everyday experiences among Han converts. This framework provides a structured approach to understanding the complexities of identity formation and enrich ongoing discussions within the Islamic anthropological research community.

Relationship between atherosclerotic burden and depressive symptoms in hypertensive patients: A cross-sectional study based on the NHANES database

ObjectiveThe relationship between atherosclerotic burden, depressive symptoms, and clinically relevant depression (CRD) in hypertensive patients is unclear. In this study, we used the atherosclerotic index of plasma (AIP) to quantify atherosclerotic burden and explore its association with depressive symptoms and CRD in hypertensive patients. MethodsHypertension-diagnosed patients were extracted from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. The relationships between AIP and depressive symptoms and CRD risk in patients were examined through the weighted logistic regression and the weighted linear regression models. Restrictive cubic spline curves were employed to analyze potential nonlinear associations between AIP and outcome indicators. Additionally, subgroup analyses and intergroup interaction tests were conducted. ResultsThe AIP was considerably associated with the severity of depressive symptoms in hypertensive patients, according to the findings of weighted linear regression. Weighted logistic regression analysis showed that high AIP was significantly associated with a high risk of clinically relevant depression in hypertensive patients. This trend was consistent across various subgroups within the population. ConclusionAIP was observed to be a significant risk factor for clinically relevant depression in hypertensive patients. Atherosclerotic burden in hypertensive patients was significantly associated with the severity of their depressive symptoms.

Exemplary Self-Discipline, Leniency towards Others: Competitive Contexts Amplify the "Black Sheep Effect" in Restoring Ingroup Trust.

Intergroup interaction, a pivotal aspect of social interaction, encompasses both cooperation and competition. Group identity significantly impacts individual behaviors and decision-making processes. This influence manifests in two contrasting ways when addressing rule-breaking by interaction partners: in-group favoritism, where individuals are more lenient towards infractions committed by in-group members, and the black sheep effect, where in-group members are penalized for their rule-breaking. Although trust is crucial in intergroup interactions, the precise impact of group identity on trust restoration and the potential moderating role of intergroup interaction types remain to be elucidated. This study presents two experiments designed to explore these dynamics. In Study 1, the manipulation of group identity through a point estimation task was utilized to evaluate its impact on intergroup trust restoration via a series of repeated trust games. Study 2 aimed to explore the moderating role of intergroup interaction on intergroup trust restoration by contrasting cooperation and competition situations. The results uncovered a "black sheep effect", where participants demonstrated a greater propensity for trust restoration with out-group members than with in-group members. This effect, however, was only evident in competitive contexts. Conversely, in cooperative contexts, the individual's trust in the in-group and out-group members is effectively repaired. These findings contribute to a deeper comprehension of trust dynamics in intergroup interactions, promoting trust establishment and repair between diverse groups, thereby boosting team collaboration efficiency and mitigating conflicts.

When population growth intensifies intergroup competition, female colobus monkeys free-ride less

Intergroup aggression often results in the production of public goods, such as a safe and stable social environment and a home range containing the resources required to survive and reproduce. We investigate temporal variation in intergroup aggression in a growing population of colobus monkeys (Colobus vellerosus) to ask a novel question: “Who stepped-up to produce these public goods when doing so became more difficult?”. Both whole-group encounters and male incursions occurred more frequently as the population grew. Males and females were both more likely to participate in whole-group encounters when monopolizable food resources were available, indicating both sexes engaged in food defence. However, only females increasingly did so as the population grew, suggesting that it was females who increasingly produced the public good of home range defence as intergroup competition intensified. Females were also more active in male incursions at high population densities, suggesting they increasingly produced the public good of a safe and stable social environment. This is not to say that males were chronic free-riders when it came to maintaining public goods. Males consistently participated in the majority of intergroup interactions throughout the study period, indicating they may have lacked the capacity to invest more time and effort.

Global Crisis Frame Matters for Unity: Resource Threat Hampers While Safety Threat Promotes Intergroup Cooperation

Realistic global crises trap humanity in common threats requiring intergroup unity to combat them. How do common threats shape intergroup cooperation? Previous studies have focused on the impact of threat severity on intergroup cooperation and yielded mixed results. We proposed that framing common threat based on two key aspects (resource vs. safety threats) has opposing effects on intergroup cooperation. We conducted three studies (N = 840) to test our assumptions. Across scenarios of combating wars (Study 1), reducing air pollutant emissions (Study 2), and mitigating climate change (Study 3), framing a crisis as resource threat hampered intergroup cooperation, whereas framing it as safety threat promoted intergroup cooperation. These effects were mediated by the pursuit of ingroup interests (Study 3). Our findings provide new insights into the complex effects of common threat on intergroup interactions and have practical implications for facilitating unity during global crises.

How migrant composition affects attitudes of urban locals in urban China: A two-scale study

Scholars have shown increasing interest in how inter-group interactions in different spaces influence inter-group relations. However, there has been limited recent knowledge from China on this topic. In China, its hukou system has differentiated internal migrants and urban locals in many spheres for over 40 years, causing significant social exclusion and persistent prejudice towards internal migrants in cities. However, surveys and research on inter-group relationships have mainly focused on investigating migrants, neglecting urban locals. In essence, how the diverse compositions of the migrant population have influenced natives' attitudes towards immigrants needs further examination. Using the China Migrants Dynamic Survey 2017, this study applies multi-level mixed-effects ordered logistic regression models to examine how six aspects of migrant composition at the neighborhood and district levels affect urban locals' three attitudes towards migrants: hostility, superficial acceptance, and deep acceptance. This study addresses the demographic transitions of the migrant population and the socio-economic context of contemporary China and applies the contact and conflict theories to interpret the results. Findings reveal that exposure to the migrant population with a high share of rural-hukou migrants and inner-province migrants harms inter-group understanding. Exposure to blue-collar migrants, above-college education migrants, and migrants who frequently communicate with locals leads to positive contacts and improves urban locals’ attitudes towards migrants. The effect of migrant compositions on hostility, superficial, and deep acceptance varies. In addition to the frequently studied neighborhood level, migrant composition at the district level is also vital in influencing inter-group relationships. Last, the effects of migrant composition also vary among different sub-groups of urban locals.

Miscommunication in Stillwater: The Interplay of Social Identities, Language Barriers, and Emotional Dynamics

This paper analyses Stillwater’s (2021) dialogue and action lines to demonstrate how miscommunication, specifically during heightened emotional instances, between Bill, the protagonist, and other characters is due to language barriers and emotional dynamics related to ethnic diversity. The study reveals that language difficulties hinder effective communication between Bill, an out-group member, and French residents, the in-group. Consequently, his limited language skills not only mark him as an outsider by challenging his efforts to integrate into the French culture, but also prove that language is a marker of group identity, influencing emotions, behavior, and interaction. In addition, the study demonstrates that the cultural disparities Bill encounters socially define and categorize him as an “out-group” member (American) from the perspective of the “in-group” (French), thus elucidating out-group biases and discrimination. These findings emphasize the role of language in reflecting linguistic and cultural nuances in intergroup interactions in the screenplay Stillwater.