APS
2026 APS Annual Convention · 2026
Psychological Mechanisms Underlying Ideological Punishment
- Selen Goksal
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Jan-Willem van Prooijen
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam - Giuliana Spadaro
Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
Abstract
This study examines how ideological dissimilarity fosters punitive intentions and costly punishment behavior. In two preregistered experiments, we demonstrate that ideological dissimilarity increases punitive responses via heightened intergroup hate, dogmatic intolerance, and reduced parochial altruism. These findings clarify psychological pathways linking ideological dissimilarity to punitive intentions and behavior.