Coping with power asymmetries: The dynamics of emotional reactions in (il)legitimate powerless groups

Two studies investigated the process of emotion regulation in powerless groups. We predicted that members of powerless groups would reduce negative emotions when they perceived status differences as illegitimate and ascribed stereotypes to the outgroup. In Study 1 the opportunity to attribute outgroup stereotypes after reading about an illegitimate power distribution reduced negative emotions. By contrast, in socially legitimized powerless conditions participants maintained negative emotions over time, and supported more negative action tendencies towards the outgroup after expressing outgroup stereotypes. In Study 2 we increased the threat imposed by a powerful outgroup and found fear reduction in the illegitimate and maintenance of fear in the legitimate conditions. Additionally, the effect of legitimacy on group efficacy was mediated by threat appraisals. The impact of perceived legitimacy of asymmetric power relations and the salience of outgroup stereotypes on emotional and behavioral reactions to powerlessness is discussed.