Testing a dual process model of prejudice: Assessment of group threat perceptions and emotions

Using American college student samples, two studies were conducted to establish the connection between perceptions of threat
posed by people of the Muslim world and intergroup emotions toward this group. Study 1, a correlational study, situated these
relationships within Duckitt’s (2001) dual process model. Path analyses revealed that perceptions of economic threat from Muslims were predicted by a motivation
for hierarchical group relations, as manifested by social dominance orientation. Perceptions of value threat from Muslims
were predicted by a motivation for social stability and security, as manifested by right-wing authoritarianism. These economic
and value threat perceptions subsequently predicted the intergroup emotions of anger and disgust, respectively. Study 2, an
experimental study, involved a manipulation of value threat from Muslims. Results showed that perceiving Muslims to pose a
greater threat to Westerners’ values heightened feelings of disgust, which subsequently predicted behavioral inclinations
to maintain traditional Western values.