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Trait Contempt Predicts Tendencies To Dehumanize Others, Russell Steiger

College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Prior research pertaining to the Stereotype Content Model (SCM) has found that groups stereotyped as “cold and incompetent” (e.g., refugees, homeless people, drug addicts) are most likely to elicit both emotional state contempt and dehumanization. However, no prior studies have examined trait (dispositional) contempt’s relationship with dehumanization towards different SCM-relevant groups. Across two studies, I examined trait contempt as a predictor of dehumanization within the context of the SCM. Trait contempt is characterized by frequent cold feelings towards others and frequently viewing others as incompetent. I therefore proposed that since contemptuous people view their social world through a “cold and …