Outgroup threat and opportunity to derogate: A social neuroscience approach

Intergroup communication is at the core of intergroup relations. Studies demonstrate that intergroup threat and having an opportunity to derogate the outgroup result in heightened cortisol levels. However, biomarkers associated with different stress systems may show distinct patterns under the same conditions. We investigated whether perceptions of threat and the opportunity to derogate would result in an increase in alpha-amylase levels. White Canadian university students (N = 77) read discriminatory or favorable comments that Chinese individuals made towards Canadians. Subsequently, they were given the opportunity to derogate the outgroup. Salivary alpha-amylase was collected at baseline, following the threat, and after the opportunity to derogate. Participants showed an alpha-amylase response to threat, albeit delayed, but no further increase in concentration values due to derogation. The findings illustrate the impact of intergroup communication on physiological stress as well as the importance of using multiple biomarkers to elucidate that relationship.