Using apology to promote intergroup forgiveness: Appealing to group identity

Steven A Arthur, Purdue University

Abstract

In recent years, social psychologists have identified several individual difference characteristics that influence intergroup forgiveness. However, there is less research exploring how out-group members might increase the likelihood of forgiveness by offering an apology for past wrongdoing. Using insights from social identity theory (Tajfel & Turner, 1979) and the socio-emotional model of reconciliation (Schnabel & Nadler, 2008), two studies tested the effectiveness of apologies that vary in the extent to which they express respect for the victimized group. It was hypothesized that individuals who strongly identify with the victimized group would express forgiveness only when an apology affirmed the group's value, while those with lower levels of identification would express forgiveness in response to any apology. In Study 1, 131 African American participants read a report alleging racial profiling by local police. In Study 2, 113 female participants directly experienced gender-based exclusion. Following the insult, participants were exposed to one of three apology conditions (No Apology, Self-Focused Apology, Affirming Apology). While in-group identification did not moderate African Americans' reactions to the apology statements provided by a police representative, highly identified female participants showed a greater willingness to engage with a transgressor when the apology conveyed respect for women. Results suggest that apologies and group identification may be related to a desire to avoid offending out-group members. Results are discussed in the context of current conceptualizations of forgiveness at both the interpersonal and intergroup level.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Monteith, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Social psychology

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