Reclaiming Derogatory Language: Self-Reports and Interbeat Intervals

Minorities reclaim derogatory labels to change their meaning. However, previous research on reclamation has focused on the perception of self-labeling with derogatory labels in an ecologically invalid context, using self-reports that may be influenced by norms. We examined how recordings containing derogatory terms against gay people are perceived, using both a self-report and an unobtrusive heartbeat measure. In the experiment ( n = 103), we showed that individuals perceived statements with derogatory labels as less offensive when participants of the Gay Pride (a pro-LGBT+ march) used them and as more offensive when they were used by participants of the March for Life and Family (a conservative march). This effect was stronger among gay men. Nonetheless, the sexual identity and the content of speech played no role in the case of the heartbeat. The paper discusses the discrepancy between declarative and nondeclarative measures.