Threats, Emotions, and Affective Polarization

Why do some individuals feel hostility and express bias against supporters of other political parties? Drawing on intergroup threat theory, we examine the role emotions as a mechanism by which perceived threats ingroup are source increased affective polarization. In two survey experiments performed in multiparty contexts Sweden (N = 505) Germany 776), manipulated using simulated online media, presenting participants with content related to immigration, measured polarization ratings outgroup supporter traits feeling thermometers. Compared control condition, threatening evoked fear, anxiety, anger among participants. However, only when reacted was observed, line research showing that is high-arousal emotion an reliance stereotypes. We conclude distance themselves from opposing parties they perceive their subsequently react anger. The findings contribute literature stressing emotional reactions threat.