The humanity inventory: Developing and validating an individual difference measure of dehumanization propensity

Abstract

Dehumanization is often explored in the context of inhumane acts of intergroup and interpersonal violence, and is considered a precursor to extreme atrocities. However, research suggests that we may all engage dehumanized perceptions, at least occasionally, if the social context or goals encourage dehumanization. This implies an individual difference nature of dehumanization propensity. Across four online studies (cross‐sectional Studies 1, 3, 4, and longitudinal Study 2), we develop and validate the Humanity Inventory (HumIn), a self‐report measure of individual differences in the propensity to engage dehumanization. Study 1 (N = 86) entailed item selection. Study 2 (N = 235) examined the validity of the scale and investigated its test–retest reliability. Study 3 (N = 259) compared the HumIn with pre‐existing scales measuring related constructs. Study 4 (N = 98) examined the scale's performance in a situational example of dehumanization. Across all studies, the HumIn performs admirably, showing excellent reliability and validity. This novel instrument and broader conceptualization of dehumanization propensity should allow researchers to tackle questions related to dehumanization from a novel perspective, and will aid future research by providing a tool for assessment.

The neuroscience of intergroup threat and violence

“…Upon seeing a dehumanized target, participants may initially perceive them as a human being, but this may turn into a dehumanized perception once participants are given some time to process the context of the photograph. This is in line with the proposition that humanizing and dehumanizing perceptions are flexibly engaged depending on the social context ( Harris, 2017 ; see also Lantos and Harris, 2021 , for a discussion on an underlying dehumanization propensity).…”

Effective ways for reducing dehumanization: interpersonal and intergroup strategies

“…Furthermore, research suggests that we may all engage dehumanized perceptions encouraged by social contexts or personal goals, implying an individual difference in dehumanization propensity. Recent research has validated the Humanity Inventory, a self-report measure of individual differences in the propensity to engage dehumanization [41]. However, whether the illustrated humanization strategies may attenuate this individual tendency still needs to be tested.…”

Comparing emotion inferences from dogs (Canis familiaris), panins (Pan troglodytes/Pan paniscus), and humans (Homo sapiens) facial displays

“…Next, they rated their overall confidence in categorizing the faces from the three species on a Likert scale from 0 (no confidence) to 100 (very confident). They then completed an individual difference measure of flexible social cognition 57 for exploratory purposes; we do not report the results of this measure. Finally, they provided demographic information, were debriefed, and thanked.…”