Ciência-IUL
Publications
Publication Detailed Description
To believe or not believe in a just world? The psychological costs of threats to the belief in a just world and the role of attributions
Journal Title
Self and Identity
Year (definitive publication)
2014
Language
English
Country
United Kingdom
More Information
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Abstract
Belief in a Just World (BJW) research has typically studied how individuals maintain and defend their beliefs from possible threats. However, none of this work has examined the psychological costs of threats to one's BJW. In the present research we tested its consequences on self-esteem. Focusing on threats related to relevant in-groups, we aimed to (1) understand the role of group identification in these processes and (2) identify the psychological mechanisms that can counteract their possible negative effects. In two studies we found that for individuals who were highly identified with the involved groups, perceiving a threat to their BJW led to low self-esteem. Conversely, we did not find such effects for low identifiers. Finally, we also found that causal attributions have a protective role in these processes. Results showed that in the face of a threat to BJW, making weaker internal attributions mitigates its harmful impact on self-esteem.
Acknowledgements
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Keywords
Belief in a just world,Threat,Self-esteem,Group identification,Causal attributions
Fields of Science and Technology Classification
- Psychology - Social Sciences
Funding Records
Funding Reference | Funding Entity |
---|---|
PTDC/PSIPSO/098110/2008 | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia |
PEst-OE/PSI/UI3125/2013 | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia |
SFRD/BPD/46357/2008 | Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia |