When i’m right you’re wrong: attitude correctness facilitates anger and approach motivation toward opposing individuals

Attitude correctness and attitude clarity define the broader concept, attitude certainty. Repeating one’s attitude to oneself causes attitude clarity, while learning that the majority of others agree with you causes attitude correctness. The current research tests how attitude correctness influences...

Full description

Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Elizabeth M. Niedbala, Zachary P. Hohman, Jada S. Elleby
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2018-07-01
Series:Social Influence
Subjects:
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15534510.2018.1491888
Description
Summary:Attitude correctness and attitude clarity define the broader concept, attitude certainty. Repeating one’s attitude to oneself causes attitude clarity, while learning that the majority of others agree with you causes attitude correctness. The current research tests how attitude correctness influences emotions and behavioral intentions toward individuals with opposing attitudes. We predicted that compared to clarity, those high in attitude correctness would feel more anger toward an opposing individual and a stronger desire to confront, oppose, and argue with them. Results across two studies supported predictions; believing that you hold the same attitude as the majority sparks feelings of anger toward individuals with differing viewpoints. The current work contributes to our understanding of heated debates and ugly confrontations.
ISSN:1553-4510
1553-4529