Cultivating Intergroup Emotions: An Intergroup Threat Theory Approach

Abstract

The current study tests whether media consumption is associated with negative intergroup emotions toward Blacks, Latinos, and Asians and whether media use indirectly influences intergroup emotions via threat perceptions. We do so using a two-study survey design. Results from Study 1 indicated that media consumption is associated with anger toward Latinos and Asians but not anger toward Blacks. We also found that media use was associated with anxiety toward Blacks, Latinos, and Asians. Results from Study 2 indicated that media use indirectly influences anger and anxiety toward Blacks and Latinos through perceptions of threat. Media consumption did not indirectly influence anger and anxiety toward Asians, though perceptions of threat did directly influence intergroup emotions toward this group. The discussion highlights the important, but negative, role of media in intergroup processes.

Notes

¹ We transformed the data using the single-band transformation formula proposed by Fink (2009): Y* = (Y + k)². Specifically, for anger toward Latinos, anger toward Blacks, and anxiety toward Asians, we used the transformation Y* = (Y − .99)⁵⁰. We used the transformation: Y* = [(Y − .99) −⁵⁰]* −1 for anger toward Asians.

² We transformed the data using the single-band transformation formula proposed by Fink (2009). Specifically, for feeling of threat toward Latinos, anger toward Asians, anger toward Latinos, anxiety-related emotions toward Asians, and anxiety-related emotions toward Latinos, we used the transformation Y* = (Y − .50)⁵⁰. For feeling of threat toward Asians, we used the transformation Y* = (Y − .50)³³.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Anita Atwell Seate

Anita Atwell Seate (Ph.D., University of Arizona, 2012) is an assistant professor in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland. Her research interests include intergroup communication and the role of identity in media effects.

Rong Ma

Rong Ma (B.A., University of China, 2011) is a graduate student in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland. Her research interests include the role of social identities (e.g., nationality, gender) in interpersonal and mediated communication.

Hsin-Yi Chien

Hsin-Yi Chien (B.A., National Taiwan University, 2012) is a graduate student in the Department of Communication at the University of Maryland. Her research interests include intercultural communication, intergroup relations, and conflict management.

Dana Mastro

Dana Mastro (Ph.D., Michigan State University, 2000) is a professor in the Department of Communication at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Her research interests include the effect of media on stereotyping, prejudice, and intergroup dynamics.