Populism, Economic Distress, Cultural Backlash, and Identity Threat: Integrating Patterns and Testing Cross-National Validity.

Populism is on the rise across liberal democracies. The sociopsychological underpinnings of this increasing endorsement of populist ideology should be uncovered. In an online cross-sectional survey study among adult samples from five countries (Chile, France, Italy, Romania, and the United Kingdom; N = 9,105), we aimed to replicate an economic distress pattern in which relative deprivation and identity threat are associated with populism. We further tested a cultural backlash pattern-including perceived anomie, collective narcissism, and identity threat as predictors of populism. Multigroup structural equation models supported both economic distress and cultural backlash paths as predictors of populist thin ideology endorsement. In both paths, identity threat to belonging played a significant role as partial mediator. Furthermore, an integrative model showed that the two patterns were not mutually exclusive. These findings emphasize the implication of identity threat to belonging as an explanatory mediator and demonstrate the cross-national generalizability of these patterns.

You get us, so you like us: Feeling understood by an outgroup predicts more positive intergroup relations via perceived positive regard.

Intergroup felt understanding-the belief that outgroup members understand and accept ingroup perspectives-has been found to predict positive intergroup outcomes, but the mechanism through which it has its positive effects is unclear. Across eight studies, we tested the hypothesis that felt positive regard-the perception that outgroup members like and respect ingroup members-mediates the positive effects of felt understanding on outcomes like outgroup trust. Studies 1-6 (total N = 1,366) included cross-sectional and experimental designs and a range of intergroup settings such as Sunni-Shia relations in Lebanon, gender relations, and support for "Brexit" in the United Kingdom. Results of meta-analytic structural equation models across these studies provided evidence of the indirect effect of felt understanding via felt positive regard on outcomes including trust and positive relational emotions. Study 7 (N = 307) then tested the causal effect of felt positive regard through a direct manipulation. Findings confirmed that felt positive (vs. negative) regard did lead to more positive intergroup perceptions. Finally, Study 8 (N = 410) tested the indirect effect as a within-person change process using a year-long, two-wave study of the conflict in Chile between Indigenous Mapuche and Non-Indigenous Chileans: Change over time in felt understanding indirectly predicted change over time in trust via change in felt positive regard. We consider the theoretical implications of the findings for how intergroup relations may be improved and the possibilities presented by felt understanding for intervention development. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Is Support for Feminism Enough for Change? How Sexism and Gender Stereotypes Might Hinder Gender Justice.

Even though formal processes (i.e., gender quotes) are necessary to achieve gender justice, attitudinal changes (i.e., support of egalitarian social norms) are also essential. The endorsement of sexism and gender stereotypes perpetuate inequality on a daily basis, and can be seen as barriers that prevent societies from reaching social justice. Therefore, changing sexist social norms can be understood as a fundamental step in accomplishing gender justice. With the aim of studying Chileans' sexist norms, we conducted a survey with a representative sample (N = 490) exploring levels of sexism and gender stereotypes, as well as support for the feminist movement. Using Latent Profile Analysis, we identified four groups of citizens: (1) a first group that shows high levels of sexism and low support for the feminist movement (9%); (2) a second group, with low levels of sexism and high support for the feminist movement (20%); (3) a third group with high levels of sexism and high support for the feminist movement (65%); and (4) a fourth group with mid-levels of sexism and support of the feminist movement (6%). We called these groups the Sexist, Feminist, Inconsistent, and Moderate Group, respectively. The four groups showed similar high endorsement of gender stereotypes. These results are twofold. First, they hint that although nowadays gender equality seems to be generally accepted, this coexists with a high prevalence of sexist social norms, represented by the inconsistent group being the most prevalent. Second, gender stereotypes are still deeply rooted in Chilean culture, surprisingly even among feminist citizens.

Intervención grupal para díadas madre- infante privadas de libertad: efectos sobre la depresión materna y el desarrollo infantil / Group Intervention for Imprisoned Mother-Infant Dyads: Effects on Mother's Depression and on Children's Development

Resumen La sintomatología depresiva es frecuente en las mujeres durante el período periparto, impacta negativamente el desarrollo infantil y puede mostrar un incremento cuando la maternidad se desarrolla en contextos carcelarios. Objetivo: realizar intervenciones grupales en dos grupos, uno conformado por mujeres embarazadas y otro por díadas madre-infante, que se encontraban cumpliendo condena en cárceles chilenas, y evaluar su efecto en la sintomatología depresiva materna y en el desarrollo socioemocional infantil. Método: Participaron 60 madres recluidas en recintos carcelarios chilenos, 30 embarazadas y 30 díadas (madres-infante). Se realizaron análisis de regresión multinivel para medidas repetidas de la sintomatología depresiva materna (BDI) en ambos grupos y del desarrollo socioemocional (ASQ-SE) en los niños/as participantes en la intervención para díadas. Resultados: se observó una reducción significativa de la sintomatología depresiva en las mujeres embarazadas (b=-3.60, t(29)=-2.66, p=.031) y en las madres con hijos/as nacidos (b=-0.1499, t(93)=-5.3, p=<.001), así como una reducción de las dificultades en el desarrollo socioemocional infantil (b=-15.26, t(18)=-4.107, p=.001). Conclusión: se discute la relevancia de contar con alternativas psicoterapéuticas para el abordaje de la depresión en madres privadas de libertad y la promoción de un desarrollo socioemocional saludable de sus hijos/as.

Abstract Women may frequently present depressive symptomatology during the peripartum period, it impacts negatively child development and may show an increase when motherhood takes place in prison contexts. Furthermore, the negative effects of maternal depression on children's development have been demonstrated by research findings. Aim: To evaluate the effect of two group interventions for pregnant women and mother-infant dyads with children under 2 years of age, on maternal depressive symptomatology and on the children's development. Method: The sample considered 60 incarcerated women from Chilean prisons all over the country; 30 pregnant women and 30 mothers with children under 2 years of age. Multilevel regression analysis for repeated measures were performed for maternal symptomatology (BDI) in both groups and for children's development (ASQ-SE) in the dyad's group. Results: It was observed Significant reductions in the depressive symptomatology frequencies in the pregnant women (b=-3.60, t(29)=-2.66, p=.031) and in the mothers who participated in the dyad's intervention group (b=-0.1499, t(93)=-5.3, p=<.001), as well as a reduction in child social-emotional development difficulties (b=-15.26, t(18)=-4.107, p=.001). Conclusion: The discussion section addresses the relevance of providing psychological support to imprisoned mother/child dyads, to treat maternal depression and to promote a healthy development of the children who grow up in prison contexts.