Precursors and mediators of intergroup reconciliation in Northern Ireland: a new model

We examined social psychological factors contributing to the restoration of the intergroup relationship between Protestants and Catholics in Northern Ireland. A theoretical model of reconciliation orientation (ROM) was developed, with intergroup forgiveness and subjective evaluation of past violence as the main precursors of that orientation. Data from a Northern Irish sample (N =318) validated and extended the model. Forgiveness and evaluation of past violence were predicted by ‘competitive victimhood’ (a belief in having suffered more than the out‐group), negatively and positively, respectively. These associations were fully accounted for by the strength of identification with the in‐group and trust in the out‐group. Empathy functioned mainly as a direct predictor of forgiveness. The theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed