INTERGROUP ANXIETY

Intergroup anxiety and negative stereotypes are related to attitudes toward out-groups

Abstract

The current study defines the prejudice in terms of the radial network model of attitudes, as “a negative affective response, which includes both cognitive evaluations and emotional reactions. Within this context the radial network model proposes that stereotypes and prejudice are primarily related through cognitive and affective networks associated with group labels and traits. The maximum threshold is the highest amount of uncertainty people can have and still think they can predict others' attitudes, feelings, and behaviors sufficiently well to feel comfortable interacting with them. The research based on this model focused on the central role of anxiety as a cause of negative intergroup relations. This model was expanded to include other forms of threat that people experience in intergroup interactions.

Intergroup anxiety and negative stereotypes are related to attitudes toward out-groups

Introduction

Feelings of anxiety are produced by stress combined with the perception of a situation as personally dangerous or threatening. In contrast to fear, anxiety may be objectless, or the intensity of the negative feelings may be disproportionate to the objective reality. In recent years a number of researchers have come to the conclusion that anxiety plays an important role in intergroup relations. When people who come from different groups interact they often experience a host of concerns. They may be concerned that they will not behave competently, they worry that they will be taken advantage of, or they may think that they will cause offense. The anxiety aroused by these concerns may itself create difficulties, leading people to be tentative, to behave awkwardly, or to be overly solicitous. On the other hand, this anxiety may have beneficial effects, leading people to be more alert and to interact with enhanced effectiveness. (Von Hippel, et. al 2005 Pp. 22-27).

The importance of anxiety and the complexity of its potential effects have given rise to several theories that attempt to capture the role of anxiety in intergroup relations. The purpose of this article is to describe two such theories—Anxiety/Uncertainty Management Theory (AUM) and the Integrated Threat theory (ITT). We will first summarize each theory and some of the evidence supporting it. Then we will compare the two theories and offer some suggestions for future research.

Anxiety/uncertainty management theory is designed to explain effective interpersonal and intergroup communication. AUM theory assumes that managing uncertainty and anxiety are central processes influencing the effectiveness of our communication with others (Gudykunst, 1995). That is, individuals can communicate effectively to the extent that they are able to manage their anxiety and accurately predict and explain others' attitudes, feelings, and behaviors. Anxiety and uncertainty management, therefore, are the 'basic' causes of effective communication. AUM theory assumes that the effects of other variables (e.g., identities, expectations, and abilities) are mediated through anxiety and uncertainty.

Cognitive uncertainty involves knowledge about others, whereas behavioral uncertainty involves the degree to which people are relatively certain that others will behave in a predictable way. People try to manage their uncertainty when others act in ...