Continuity Threat, National Nostalgia and Negative Behavioral Intentions towards Ethnic Outgroups.

Abstract

Building on Intergroup Emotions Theory (IET), this study investigated whether perceived threats to the continuity of national identity relate to stronger feelings of national nostalgia and whether this, in turn, translates into more negative behavioral intentions towards ethnic outgroups. In addition, it was examined whether these relationships depend on levels of national identification. Predictions were tested with a survey (N = 816), conducted in six countries (the Netherlands, Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, Israel and Cyprus). Results showed that, consistent across countries, perceptions of continuity threat positively related to national nostalgia. Yet, national nostalgia did not predict negative behavioral intentions towards outgroups across countries and there was also no evidence for the moderating role of national identification.