How Perspective-Taking Helps and Hinders Group-Based Guilt as a Function of Group Identification

In two studies we hypothesized that outgroup perspective-taking promotes group-based guilt among weakly identified perpetrator group members, but hinders it among higher identifiers. In Study 1, native Dutch participants ( N = 153) confronted their group's past mistreatment of outgroups, while perspective-taking was manipulated. This manipulation significantly increased guilt among lower identifiers, but decreased guilt among higher identifiers. In addition, guilt predicted positively participants' support for reparation. In Study 2 ( N = 217), we replicated this interaction and elaborated on its underlying processes. As predicted, perspective-taking positively predicted feelings of compassion for outgroup members, as well as the perceived responsibility of the ingroup for the harm inflicted. Path analyses indicated the dual role of compassion: it predicted guilt positively among lower identifiers, but negatively among higher identifiers. The double-edged potential of perspective-taking for improving relations between groups that have a history on conflict is discussed.