Exploring the Effects of Nostalgic and Tragic Narratives on Threat Perceptions of Immigrants in the U.S

This study explores whether nostalgia versus tragedy narratives increase empathy and perspective taking toward immigrants in the U.S. amid symbolic and realistic threat perceptions. A pre-test with 194 students confirmed nostalgia narratives elicited greater nostalgia. The main experiment (2 × 2 design; n = 218 adults) showed that tragedy narratives, more than nostalgia, indirectly influenced threat perceptions and helping intentions through empathy. Post hoc analyses showed additional effects of the male tragedy video on nostalgia and perceived threat. Findings suggest how narrative content and messenger gender shape migration-related communication strategies to improve inclusive intergroup attitudes.