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A collective blame hypocrisy intervention enduringly reduces hostility towards Muslims
Emile G Bruneau1,2, Nour S Kteily3, Ana Urbiola4
1Annenberg School for Communication, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. emile.bruneau@asc.upenn.edu.
Nature Human Behaviour
|October 9, 2019
Summary
This study introduces a
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
- Conflict Resolution
Background:
- Hostility towards outgroups fuels intergroup conflict.
- Muslims are a frequently targeted outgroup, experiencing significant hostility.
- Understanding interventions to reduce anti-Muslim sentiment is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the efficacy of a 'collective blame hypocrisy' intervention.
- To reduce hostility and anti-Muslim sentiments.
- To examine the long-term persistence and mediators of the intervention's effects.
Main Methods:
- A preregistered longitudinal study in Spain with within-subject and between-subject designs.
- Comparison of a 'collective blame hypocrisy' intervention group against a matched control group.
- Measurement of collective blame, anti-Muslim sentiments, and individual differences in consistency preference.
Main Results:
- The intervention significantly reduced collective blame of Muslims and anti-Muslim sentiments.
- These reductions persisted one month and one year post-intervention.
- Effects were mediated by decreased collective blame and moderated by preference for consistency.
Conclusions:
- The 'collective blame hypocrisy' intervention effectively and enduringly reduces harmful intergroup attitudes.
- This intervention is particularly effective for individuals who value consistency.
- Findings offer a promising strategy for mitigating intergroup conflict and prejudice.
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