Date of Graduation
12-2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Psychology (MA)
Degree Level
Graduate
Department
Psychological Science
Advisor/Mentor
Makhanova, Anastasia
Committee Member
Brown, Mitch
Second Committee Member
Eidelman, Scott
Keywords
Behavioral immune system; Intergroup bias; Pathogen avoidance; Pathogen threat; Pathogen-specific stereotypes
Abstract
There is a robust link between pathogen threat and intergroup bias, but a recent debate has begun to examine potential third variables that may influence this link. In the following study, I examined a potential moderator of the association between pathogen threat and intergroup bias against Latin American immigrants: pathogen-specific stereotypes. The primary pathogen threat variable was a pathogen threat manipulation, but I also conducted ancillary analyses with a trait pathogen avoidance instrument. I hypothesized that the association between pathogen threat and intergroup bias would be moderated by pathogen-specific stereotypes—those who were exposed to a pathogen threat who also endorse pathogen-specific stereotypes will exhibit greater bias than those who do not endorse pathogen-specific stereotypes. Participants (N = 491) were randomly assigned to be exposed to a pathogen threat manipulation, and then answered two primary measures of intergroup bias: a modified minimal group paradigm and a resume evaluation task. Prior to the manipulation, participants reported implicit and explicit stereotypes of Latin American targets. Contradicting my hypothesis, the pathogen threat manipulation had no influence on intergroup bias, regardless of pathogen-specific stereotypes. However, in an exploratory analysis, explicit pathogen-specific stereotypes significantly mediated the association between trait pathogen avoidance and bias against a Latino applicant. Trait pathogen avoidance was also directly associated with categorizing Latino targets as outgroup members more frequently than White targets. By exploring a new third variable, this study contributes to the ongoing debate on the link between pathogen threat and intergroup bias.
Citation
Unnvik, M. Ø. (2025). Pathogen Threat and Intergroup Bias: The Role of Pathogen-Specific Stereotypes. Graduate Theses and Dissertations Retrieved from https://scholarworks.uark.edu/etd/6089
