SATISFACTION OF BASIC PSYCHOLOGICAL NEEDS AND CITIZENS’ PERCEPTIONS OF OUTGROUP MEMBERS

Abstract

The utility of threat theories in predicting negative attitudes towards outgroups has led to the proliferation of intergroup literature investigating the antecedents and outcomes of threat perceptions. However, these efforts have yet to yield clear psychological explanations that delineate the conceptual boundaries of threat theories. The present study therefore adds to an emerging body of work that draws upon goal pursuit and self-determination theory to examine how the general satisfaction of locals’ basic psychological needs – autonomy, relatedness, and competence – shapes threat perceptions, and subsequently attitudes towards immigrants. The obtained results largely provided support for the proposed relationship. Additionally, we found certain specific links between need satisfaction and perceived threat that did not align with our initial expectations. Hence, our findings illustrated the complexity of threat-attitude pathways, as well as the utility of using a goal pursuit perspective to understand intergroup conflicts. Implications for future theoretical research and potential interventions to ameliorate intergroup tensions are discussed.