1. Uncertainty Management and Social Issues: Uncertainty as an Important Determinant of Reactions to Socially Deviating People.
- Author
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Van Den Bos, Kees, Euwema, Martin C., Poortvliet, P. Marijn, and Maas, Marjolein
- Subjects
SOCIAL psychology ,SOCIAL groups ,SOCIAL interaction ,CONSTRUCTIVISM (Psychology) ,HOMELESS persons ,HUMAN behavior ,INTERPERSONAL relations ,PSYCHOLOGY education - Abstract
In this paper, the social psychology of uncertainty management is used to explain reactions to socially deviating people. In Study 1, we examine how people react to a person communicating negative messages about their home country; in Study 2, how a representative sample of the Dutch society reacts to encounters with a homeless person; and in Study 3, what the behavioral and psychological reactions are of people in an anticipated interaction with a homeless individual. All 3 studies reveal that personal uncertainty—whether made salient in a subtle manner or measured by means of individual differences in the extent to which uncertainty is considered an emotionally threatening experience—is an important determinant of reactions to socially deviating persons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2007
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