title: Precursors and mediators of intergroup reconciliation in Northern Ireland: a new model.
abstract: We examined social psychological factors contributing to the restoration of the intergroup relationship between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland. A theoretical model of reconciliation orientation (ROM) was developed, with intergroup forgiveness and subjective evaluation of past violence as the main precursors of that orientation. Data from a Northern Irish sample (N=318) validated and extended the model. Forgiveness and evaluation of past violence were predicted by 'competitive victimhood' (a belief in having suffered more than the out-group), negatively and positively, respectively. These associations were fully accounted for by the strength of identification with the in-group and trust in the out-group. Empathy functioned mainly as a direct predictor of forgiveness. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Canterbury Christ Church University, Canterbury, UK. m.noor@canterbury.ac.uk
authors.forename: Masi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Noor
authors.forename: Rupert James
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Brown
authors.forename: Garry
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Prentice
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001290:Attitude; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006167:Guilt; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017008:Negotiating; D009660:Northern Ireland; D012919:Social Behavior; D014754:Violence / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology