On the Self-Regulation of Implicit and Explicit Prejudice: A Self-Determination Theory Perspective
Lisa Legault1*,
Isabelle Green-Demers2,
Protius Grant1,
Joyce Chung1
1 University of Ottawa, Canada
2 Université du Québec en Outaouais
* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: llega099{at}uottawa.ca.
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Abstract |
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The present study identifies a broad taxonomy of motives underlying the desire to regulate prejudice and assess the impact of motivation to regulate prejudice on levels of explicit and implicit prejudice. Using self-determination theory as the foundation, six forms of motivation to regulate prejudice are proposed. In Study 1 (N = 257), an exploratory factor analysis reveals evidence for the six proposed dimensions. In Study 2 (N =198), the six-factor taxonomy of motivation to regulate prejudice is further validated using a confirmatory factor analysis, and construct validity is obtained. In Study 3 (N = 62), motivation to regulate prejudice is manipulated before participants complete the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and explicit measures of prejudice. Results reveal that those with highly self-determined regulation of prejudice demonstrate lower implicit and explicit prejudice than their less self-determined counterparts. Results are discussed in terms of an increased understanding of the motivation to control prejudice.