Ashamed to be an American? The role of identification in predicting vicarious shame for anti-Arab prejudice after 9–11

Abstract

We propose that individuals sometimes feel ashamed for the negative actions of their in-group because these actions constitute a threat to their identity. The present study examined factors that evoke shame when individuals recall instances of negative behavior committed by another in-group member. American undergraduates recalled instances when other Americans exhibited prejudice toward people of Middle-Eastern descent after September 11th and rated their emotions and motivations following the event. Results indicated that identification with being American predicted more shame and a stronger desire to distance oneself from the group when the event was very negative. Identification predicted less shame and distancing for less negative events. The implications of the results for social emotions, identity management, and the black sheep effect are discussed.