Intergroup anxiety is a social phenomenon identified by Walter and Cookie Stephan in 1985, describing the ambiguous feelings of discomfort or anxiety that arise when interacting with members of another group, feelings that can also occur when a person is merely anticipating such an interaction. It is believed to be caused by an expectation that interactions with members of an out-group will be an aversive experience, leaving an affected person anxious or uncertain about a number of issues, and researchers have identified positive intergroup contact as one method of reducing it.
Facts
Core ClaimThe ambiguous feelings of discomfort or anxiety when interacting with members of other groups. 1 First Described Year Classification
Type of PhenomenonSocial or Interpersonal Phenomenon 1 Sources
1. Wikipedia: Intergroup anxiety
Lead paragraph, first sentence (definition clause)
describes the ambiguous feelings of discomfort or anxiety when interacting with members of other groups.
Lead paragraph, first sentence (identification clause)
the social phenomenon identified by Walter and Cookie Stephan in 1985
Lead section
Intergroup anxiety is the social phenomenon identified by Walter and Cookie Stephan in 1985 that describes the ambiguous feelings of discomfort or anxiety when interacting with members of other groups. Such emotions also constitute intergroup anxiety when one is merely anticipating interaction with members of an outgroup.
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