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When mere exposure leads to less liking: the incremental threat effect in intergroup contexts
Richard J Crisp1, Russell R C Hutter, Bryony Young
1Department of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent, UK. r.crisp@kent.ac.uk
British Journal of Psychology (London, England : 1953)
|June 13, 2008
Summary
Social identity threat can reverse the mere exposure effect. Repeatedly encountering out-group art increased liking initially, but threat diminished this effect, reducing liking.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Attitude Formation
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- The mere exposure effect typically increases liking with repeated contact.
- Social identity threat can significantly alter intergroup attitudes and perceptions.
- Understanding how identity threat impacts established psychological effects is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if social identity threat alters the mere exposure effect.
- To examine how exposure to out-group attitude objects is affected by identity threat.
- To explore the role of emotion in mediating these effects.
Main Methods:
- Two experiments were conducted involving exposure to out-group abstract artwork.
- Participants experienced either baseline conditions or a social identity threat manipulation.
- Self-reported liking and emotion were measured to assess attitude changes.
Main Results:
- Under baseline conditions, exposure to out-group art increased liking.
- Following social identity threat, exposure led to decreased liking, reversing the mere exposure effect.
- Reported emotion mediated the interaction between threat and exposure on liking.
Conclusions:
- Social identity threat can disrupt positive attitude formation from repeated exposure.
- The impact of identity threat on intergroup contact can be incremental and context-dependent.
- Findings integrate research on exposure, identity, attitudes, and intergroup contact theory.
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