Inter-Group Interactions and Coping: Similar Processes. A Similar Base?

Abstract

This paper provides a brief review of the literature on inter-group relations and coping. It aims to try and bring together arguments for treating inter-group behaviours as coping activities. Differences and similarities between the two corpuses are considered. Some evidence for our proposal is also presented in terms of (a) search for similarity, (b) social comparison (and whether or not it is upward or downward comparison), and (c) links between emotions and inter-group relations. The concluding comments leave the matter open to further discussion and evidence but raise the question of the role of emotions and coping with those emotions in group-to-group positive and negative relations. We also raise the possibility that conflict management and resolution could operate as interventions based on cognitive-behavioural practices.