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Understanding the psychological processes involved in the demobilizing effects of positive cross-group contact

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 November 2012

Nicole Tausch  and
Julia C. Becker
Nicole Tausch
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, St Mary's Quad, South Street, St Andrews, KY16 9JP, Scotland. [email protected]://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/profile/nt20
Julia C. Becker
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Social Psychology,Gutenbergstraße 18, 35032 Marburg, Germany. [email protected]://www.uni-marburg.de/fb04/team-wagner/Team-en/staff/juliabecker_en?language_sync=1
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Abstract

A theoretical framework is required that explains why and how cross-group contact reduces collective action and how the demobilizing effects can be counteracted. We propose that at least two mechanisms are involved: an affective process whereby the positive affect created offsets negative emotions and action tendencies, and a more strategic process whereby individual advancement comes to seem like a possibility.

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 35 , Issue 6 , December 2012 , pp. 447 - 448
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2012 

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