The Power of the Media on Peace and Reconciliation Processes: Representing Former Enemy Groups as Moral versus Immoral Matters

The efforts of peace-building and reconciliation between historical enemies are faced with many structural psychological obstacles. Scholars have identified mechanisms that can induce improvements in aspects intergroup relations, such as contact. However, establishing direct contact everyone is impossible. Therefore, the mass media represents an important source through which groups learn about each other. Numerous studies shown stereotypical often negative portrayals specific social produce or reinforce outcomes. In this research, authors report results from experimental study conducted a post-conflict society Bosnia Herzegovina ( N = 119). It examined effects counter-stereotypical representations former enemy (Bosniaks) on behavior (reported by Bosnian Serbs). More specifically, research explored representing out-group individuals immoral (the condition) moral behavioral tendencies toward group. indicate exposure to primarily information target facilitated positive This extends literature exemplars demonstrating relevant outcomes whilst utilizing current (vs. historical) exemplar stories.