Dehumanization and Guilt as Distinct but Related
Predictors of Support for Reparation Policies
Sven Zebel
University of Amsterdam
Anja Zimmermann
University of Amsterdam
G. Tendayi Viki
University of Kent
Bertjan Doosje
University of Amsterdam
In two studies, we predicted that support for reparation policies would be influenced
positively by feelings of group-based guilt and negatively by dehumanization of the out-
group. We also hypothesized that a valence manipulation of the ingroup’s behavior would
cause differences in such support which would be mediated by guilt. In the first study, we
manipulated the valence of past ingroup behavior and assessed guilt, dehumanization, and
reparation support. As expected, guilt predicted positively and dehumanization negatively
participants’ support. In addition, guilt partially mediated the manipulation effects on
policy support. Consistent with previous research, guilt and dehumanization were unre-
lated. In Study 2, we assessed individual differences in dehumanization before the manipu-
lation and examined their associations with guilt and reparation support. Initial analyses
replicated Study 1. In addition, guilt partially mediated the influence of dehumanization on
reparation support. Results suggest that the presence of guilt motivates support for repa-
ration policies, while the absence of guilt explains in part why individual differences in
dehumanization inhibit such support.
KEY WORDS: dehumanization, group-based guilt, reparation, policy attitudes, valence
Political Psychology, Vol. 29, No. 2, 2008
193
0162-895X © 2008 International Society of Political Psychology
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