Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
---|---|---|---|---|
951674 | Journal of Research in Personality | 2012 | 9 Pages |
Whereas an individual differences perspective recently pointed to the importance of a relative extrinsic to intrinsic value orientation in the prediction of outgroup attitudes, the intergroup relations perspective stresses the importance of threat. This study investigates the interplay of both perspectives. A scenario study among high-school students showed that only people who attach greater relative importance to extrinsic values react with a negative attitude towards an outgroup that is portrayed as threatening. A longitudinal study among university students then showed that people with a relatively greater extrinsic value orientation are not only more likely to react to threat but also to perceive threat. Specifically, cross-lagged analyses showed that a relatively greater extrinsic value orientation predicted over-time increases in threat perceptions.
► Two studies examined the interplay of intrinsic versus extrinsic goal pursuits and ingroup threat. ► A relatively more extrinsic goal pursuit predisposes people to react more fiercely to threat. ► A relatively more extrinsic goal pursuit makes people more likely to perceive threat.