To Identify or Not to Identify: National Identification and the Moderating Roles of Inclusiveness and Physiological Threat in Attitudes Toward Immigrants

This study examined the role of national identification in natives’ attitudes toward immigrants. Drawing on theories of intergroup relations, it was examined whether stronger national identification was associated with more negative attitudes toward immigrants, and how this relationship was moderated by perceived inclusiveness of national identity and physiological threat responses. Among 162 native Dutch participants, national identification, perceived inclusiveness, and physiological threat responses were assessed through self-reports and a stress-inducing speech task with cardiovascular monitoring. National identification alone did not relate to immigrant attitudes. However, inclusiveness moderated this relationship: stronger identification was associated with more positive attitudes when the national identity was perceived as inclusive, and with more negative attitudes when it was perceived as exclusive. Physiological threat responses did not moderate the effect. Instead, self...Show moreThis study examined the role of national identification in natives’ attitudes toward immigrants. Drawing on theories of intergroup relations, it was examined whether stronger national identification was associated with more negative attitudes toward immigrants, and how this relationship was moderated by perceived inclusiveness of national identity and physiological threat responses. Among 162 native Dutch participants, national identification, perceived inclusiveness, and physiological threat responses were assessed through self-reports and a stress-inducing speech task with cardiovascular monitoring. National identification alone did not relate to immigrant attitudes. However, inclusiveness moderated this relationship: stronger identification was associated with more positive attitudes when the national identity was perceived as inclusive, and with more negative attitudes when it was perceived as exclusive. Physiological threat responses did not moderate the effect. Instead, self-reported threat appraisals may play a role. The findings underscore that encouraging inclusive conceptions of national identity may foster more positive intergroup attitudes.Show less

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To Identify or Not to Identify: National Identification and the Moderating Roles of Inclusiveness and Physiological Threat in Attitudes Toward Immigrants