Counter-stereotypes reduce bias intergroup emotions and improve intergroup attitudes

Research has shown the beneficial role of counter-stereotypic categorization on prejudice reduction at the cognitive level. However, because stereotypes also drive emotions, in three experiments we asked: Could counter-stereotypes reduce the expression of biased emotions? In Experiment 1, gender counter-stereotypic categorization attenuated the expression of biased emotions towards females and males. In Experiment 2, nationality counter-stereotypic categorization reduced the expression of biased emotions towards a highly discriminated outgroup, like that of Romanians. Importantly, the attenuation of biased emotions following counter-stereotypic primes was mediated via decreased contempt. In Experiment 3, counter-stereotypic categorization improved not only perceivers’ intergroup emotions, but also the attribution of uniquely human emotions to the targets. Furthermore, the attribution of uniquely human emotions following counter-stereotypic primes was mediated via perceivers’ surprise (of the counter-stereotypic exemplar). We discuss the importance of considering intergroup emotions as an outcome of counter-stereotypic categorization