Political Conservatism, Need for Cognitive Closure, and Intergroup Hostility

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Golec de Zavala, Agnieszka; Cislak, Aleksandra and Wesolowska, Elzbieta. 2010. Political Conservatism, Need for Cognitive Closure, and Intergroup Hostility. Political Psychology, 31(5), pp. 521-541. [Article]

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Official URL: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-...

Abstract or Description

Two studies examine the interaction of political conservatism and need for cognitive closure in predicting aggressiveness toward out-groups. In the first study, Polish participants indicate their preference for conflict resolution strategies in the context of a real-life conflict between in-group (Poles) and out-group (Germans). Only among participants who identify themselves as conservatives need for cognitive closure is significantly related to preference for aggressive actions against the out-group. In the second study, the predicted interaction was investigated in the context of the terrorist threat in Poland. The findings indicate that high in need for closure conservatives support aggression against Arabs and Muslims only when they believe their in-group is threatened by possible terrorist attacks inspired by Islamic fundamentalism.

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Article

Identification Number (DOI):

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-9221.2010.00767.x