Intergroup and interpersonal threats as determinants of prejudice: The moderating role of in-group identification

Employing the integrated threat theory of prejudice (Stephan & Stephan, 1996), the proposition that the intergroup threats (realistic and symbolic) would be more predominant in predicting prejudice among high-identified group members was examined in this study. In contrast, the interpersonal threats (intergroup anxiety and negative stereotypes) would be more predominant in predicting prejudice among low-identified group members. Prejudice of native Israelis toward Russian immigrants, as well as their perceptions of the 4 types of threats posed by these immigrants, was assessed among 104 participants. Regression analyses revealed that realistic threats were more influential in predicting prejudice for high identifiers than for low identifiers, whereas intergroup anxiety was more influential in predicting prejudice for low identifiers than for high identifiers. High and low identifiers did not differ in regard to the relative influence of the symbolic threat and negative stereotypes. The results are discussed in relation to the integrated threat theory of prejudice and in the context of the relations between veteran Israelis and Russian immigrants.