Step by step: Testing the staircase model of intergroup apologies

Despite the assumption that intergroup apologies should lead to forgiveness in same way interpersonal ones do, research suggests this is not case. We report two studies exploring application of Staircase Model Intergroup Apologies (Wohl et al., 2011), which an apology embedded a broader reconciliation process. Participants read accounts conflict (the “Troubles” Northern Ireland) and subsequent efforts achieve reconciliation, focusing on official issued by IRA. The content was varied such steps specified were presented either sequentially (Study 1) or manipulated order 2). Both yielded results broadly supportive model. There significant effects measures forgiveness, perceptions perpetrating group, negative emotion (in particular disgust). implications for enhancing efficacy are discussed.