Abstract
Ample correlational evidence exists that perceived unfair treatment is negatively related to well-being, health, and goal striving but the underlying process is unclear. We hypothesized that effects are due in part to contextual priming of prevention focus and the negative consequences of chronic prevention-focused vigilance. Indeed, reasonable responses to unfair treatment-to avoid situations in which it occurs or if this is not possible, confront it head on-fit prevention self-regulatory focus response patterns. Results from three experiments support this notion. Priming stigmatized social category membership heightened students' prevention (not promotion) focus (n = 117). Priming non-stigmatized social category membership (i.e., white) did not change prevention focus (n = 46). Priming prevention (not promotion) increased perceptions of unfair treatment (and aroused prevention-relevant fight or flight responses) in response to a negative ambiguous job situation among low and moderate income adults (n = 112).
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 505-512 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Experimental Social Psychology |
Volume | 43 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - May 2007 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- African American
- Discrimination
- Prevention
- Promotion
- Self-regulatory focus
- Social class
- Unfair treatment
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Psychology
- Sociology and Political Science