Bridging Divides: Intellectual Humility's Role in Peaceful Resolution

Intractable intergroup conflicts are often sustained by ingroup-biased cognition and outgroup derogation, which perpetuate cycles of retaliation and violence. This study examined how intellectual humility (IH)—the recognition of the limits and potential fallibility of one's knowledge—relates to factors that promote healthier intergroup relations during periods of conflict. Amid an acute escalation in the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, 158 Jewish Israeli participants completed measures of IH, empathy toward and identification with both Israelis and Palestinians, perceptions of collective victimhood, and support for peaceful conflict resolution. Higher IH was indirectly associated with stronger support for peaceful conflict resolution and lower collective victimhood through greater inclusive empathy that extended beyond group boundaries and broader group identification (mutuality). These findings suggest that IH is linked to lower ingroup favoritism, more balanced and humane appraisals of the conflict, and a greater willingness to pursue nonviolent solutions during acute intergroup conflict.

Duke Scholars

Author Jinyoung Park  

Author Mark R. Leary Psychology & Neuroscience

Author Rick Hoyle Psychology & Neuroscience