Children, Adolescents, and Adults Have Different Conceptions of Intergroup and Interpersonal Conflict

We measured differences between intergroup and interpersonal conflict resolution in children, adolescents, and adults. Participants (N=479) saw ambiguously intentional transgression vignettes in interpersonal and intergroup contexts. With age, participants perceived more intent and severity, expected less forgiveness and trust, and punished more, suggesting that intergroup conflict is harder to resolve.