Intergroup emotions: Explaining offensive action tendencies in an intergroup context

Three studies tested the idea that when social identity is salient, group-b ased appraisals elicit specific emotions and action tendencies toward out-g roups. Participants' group memberships were made salient and the collective support apparently enjoyed by the in-group was measured or manipulated The authors then measured anger and fear (Studies 1 and 2) and anger and conte mpt (Study 3), as well as the desire to move against or away from the out-g roup. Intergroup anger was distinct from intergroup fear, and the inclinati on to act against the out-group was distinct from the tendency to move away from it, participants who perceived the in-group as strong were more likel y to experience anger toward the out-group and to desire to take action aga inst it. The effects of perceived in-group strength on offensive action ten dencies were mediated by anger.