Human‐itarian aid? Two forms of dehumanization and willingness to help after natural disasters. (4th March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Andrighetto, Luca; Baldissarri, Cristina; Lattanzio, Sara; Loughnan, Steve; Volpato, Chiara
• Is Part Of: British journal of social psychology. Volume 53:Part 3(2014:Sep.)
• Page Start: 573
• Page End: 584
• Publication Date: 2014-03-04
• Subjects: Social psychology -- Periodicals; 302.05
• DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0144-6665

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="bjso12066-abs-0001"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>The present research explores the distinct effects of animalistic and mechanistic dehumanization on willingness to help natural disaster victims. We examined Japanese and Haitians, two national groups recently struck by earthquakes. We showed that Italian participants differently dehumanized the two outgroups: Japanese were attributed low human nature (dehumanized as automata), whereas Haitians were attributed low human uniqueness (dehumanized as animal‐like). Ninety participants were then randomly assigned to the Japanese or Haitian target group condition. Mediation analyses showed that animalistic dehumanization decreased willingness to help Haitians, whereas mechanistic dehumanization decreased willingness to help Japanese, even when controlling for attitudes. Importantly, reduced empathy explained the effects of both forms of dehumanization on intergroup helping.</p> </abstract>