You get us, so you like us: Feeling understood by an outgroup predicts more positive intergroup relations via perceived positive regard.

Abstract

Intergroup felt understanding—the belief that outgroup members understand and accept ingroup perspectives—has been found to predict positive intergroup outcomes, but the mechanism through which it has its positive effects is unclear. Across eight studies, we tested the hypothesis that felt positive regard—the perception that outgroup members like and respect ingroup members—mediates the positive effects of felt understanding on outcomes like outgroup trust. Studies 1–6 (total N = 1,366) included cross-sectional and experimental designs and a range of intergroup settings such as Sunni–Shia relations in Lebanon, gender relations, and support for “Brexit” in the United Kingdom. Results of meta-analytic structural equation models across these studies provided evidence of the indirect effect of felt understanding via felt positive regard on outcomes including trust and positive relational emotions. Study 7 (N = 307) then tested the causal effect of felt positive regard through a direct manipulation. Findings confirmed that felt positive (vs. negative) regard did lead to more positive intergroup perceptions. Finally, Study 8 (N = 410) tested the indirect effect as a within-person change process using a year-long, two-wave study of the conflict in Chile between Indigenous Mapuche and Non-Indigenous Chileans: Change over time in felt understanding indirectly predicted change over time in trust via change in felt positive regard. We consider the theoretical implications of the findings for how intergroup relations may be improved and the possibilities presented by felt understanding for intervention development.

An experimental study of the process of felt understanding in intergroup relations: Japanese and Chinese relations in Japan

“…This approach allows researchers to draw stronger inferences regarding the causal relationships between variables. For example, a recent study on felt understanding investigated the effects of felt positive regard on intergroup outcomes with a causal chain design after confirming the mediating effect of felt positive regard between felt understanding and intergroup outcomes using a measurement-of-mediation design 12 . Thus, future research adopting causal chain designs that manipulate and measure mediators will strengthen the causal inferences of our findings.…”

“…Positive appraisal, emotions, and action intentions toward an outgroup are more likely to arise when one feels positively regarded. Livingstone et al 12 provided strong evidence for this hypothesis in multiple contexts.…”

“…First, we argued that felt understanding affected "felt positive regard," which predicted intergroup outcomes such as outgroup trust. Livingstone et al 12 derived a hypothesis from the literature on positive interpersonal relations [13][14][15] . Felt positive regard refers to the extent to which an ingroup is positively regarded by an outgroup 12 .…”

“…Livingstone et al 12 derived a hypothesis from the literature on positive interpersonal relations [13][14][15] . Felt positive regard refers to the extent to which an ingroup is positively regarded by an outgroup 12 . This includes feelings of being liked 11,16 and respected [17][18][19] .…”

“…While these psychological processes are largely drawn from Western studies, recent findings have broadened the scope to include diverse cultures, such as Lebanon and indigenous areas in Chile 12 . Nevertheless, cultural features should be considered when investigating psychological processes across different cultural and geopolitical settings.…”