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Group Processes & Intergroup Relations
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How Perspective-Taking Helps and Hinders Group-Based Guilt as a Function of Group Identification

Sven Zebel

University of Amsterdam, s.zebel{at}uva.nl

Bertjan Doosje

University of Amsterdam

Russell Spears

Cardiff University

In two studies we hypothesized that outgroup perspective-taking promotes group-based guilt among weakly identified perpetrator group members, but hinders it among higher identifiers. In Study 1, native Dutch participants (N = 153) confronted their group's past mistreatment of outgroups, while perspective-taking was manipulated. This manipulation significantly increased guilt among lower identifiers, but decreased guilt among higher identifiers. In addition, guilt predicted positively participants' support for reparation. In Study 2 (N = 217), we replicated this interaction and elaborated on its underlying processes. As predicted, perspective-taking positively predicted feelings of compassion for outgroup members, as well as the perceived responsibility of the ingroup for the harm inflicted. Path analyses indicated the dual role of compassion: it predicted guilt positively among lower identifiers, but negatively among higher identifiers. The double-edged potential of perspective-taking for improving relations between groups that have a history on conflict is discussed.

Key Words: compassion • group-based guilt • group identification • perspective-taking • responsibility

Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, Vol. 12, No. 1, 61-78 (2009)
DOI: 10.1177/1368430208098777
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