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The effect of mortality salience on implicit bias
Kristopher I Bradley1, Shelia M Kennison2, Amanda L Burke2
1Department of Psychology, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma 74075, USA. kristopher.i.bradley@gmail.com
Death Studies
|February 25, 2014
Summary
Reminding people of their mortality increases implicit bias towards out-groups. This study found mortality salience led to slower positive associations with Black individuals on the Implicit Association Test (IAT).
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Mortality Salience Research
Background:
- Terror Management Theory posits mortality reminders increase negative out-group evaluations.
- Previous research often relies on explicit measures of attitude change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if mortality salience increases implicit bias towards out-group members.
- To measure implicit bias using the Implicit Association Test (IAT).
Main Methods:
- White participants wrote essays on mortality or a control topic.
- Participants then completed an evaluative Implicit Association Test (IAT).
Main Results:
- Mortality salience significantly increased implicit bias.
- Participants in the mortality salience condition showed slower associations between Black individuals and positive words.
Conclusions:
- Mortality reminders can heighten automatic, unconscious negative biases.
- Findings highlight the impact of existential concerns on intergroup cognition.
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