2023/07/24 by Markus Bräuer · 1 voice · 2 citations
Environmental Science · Psychology · Social Sciences · #Behavioral Health and Interventions #Environmental Education and Sustainability #Social and Intergroup Psychology
paper · doi:10.1177/17456916231185775
openalex publication_date 2023/07/24 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/06/20
Decades of research on how to improve intergroup relations have primarily examined ways to change prejudiced attitudes. However, this focus on negative intergroup attitudes has yielded few effective solutions. Because intergroup relations are shaped by behavior during intergroup interactions, it is necessary to identify constructs that have a strong causal impact on intergroup behavior change. In this article, I will discuss evidence showing that intergroup attitude change is neither a sufficient nor necessary cause for intergroup behavior change. Empirical research suggests that intergroup attitudes are difficult to change and have a limited effect on intergroup behavior. I also distinguish between constructs that primarily affect intergroup attitude change (e.g., counterstereotypical exemplars, evaluative conditioning) and constructs that primarily affect intergroup behavior change (e.g., social norms, self-efficacy). Further, suggestions for future research will also be provided to advance understanding of the various psychological constructs that influence intergroup behavior change, which will help us develop effective methods of improving intergroup relations.