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Article
The Effects of Perceived Phenotypic Racial Stereotypicality and Social Identity Threat on Racial Minorities’ Attitudes about Police
The Journal of Social Psychology (2017)
  • Kimberly B. Kahn, Portland State University
  • J. Katherine Lee, Portland State University
  • Brian Renauer, Portland State University
  • Kris R. Henning, Portland State University
  • Greg Stewart, Portland Police Bureau
Abstract
This study examines the role of perceived phenotypic racial stereotypicality and race-based social identity threat on racial minorities’ trust and cooperation with police. We hypothesize that in police interactions, racial minorities’ phenotypic racial stereotypicality may increase race-based social identity threat, which will lead to distrust and decreased participation with police. Racial minorities (Blacks, Latinos, Native Americans, and multi-racials) and Whites from a representative random sample of city residents were surveyed about policing attitudes. A serial multiple mediation model confirmed that racial minorities’ self-rated phenotypic racial stereotypicality indirectly affected future cooperation through social identity threat and trust. Due to the lack of negative group stereotypes in policing, the model did not hold for Whites. This study provides evidence that phenotypic stereotypicality influences racial minorities’ psychological experiences interacting with police.
Publication Date
2017
DOI
10.1080/00224545.2016.1215967
Citation Information
Kahn, K. B., Lee, J. K., Renauer, B., Henning, K. R., & Stewart, G. (2017). The effects of perceived phenotypic racial stereotypicality and social identity threat on racial minorities’ attitudes about police. The Journal of social psychology, 157(4), 416-428.