When Do We Open Up to New Information? The role of Wise Reasoning & Essentialism in Intergroup Conflict

Abstract: In representative samples of Israeli Jews, collected during violent escalations in the Israel- Palestine conflict (May 2021, 2022), participants who engaged in wise-reasoning (i.e., intellectual humility, perspective-taking, and search for integrative solutions) about the conflict expressed more empathy and less support for aggression towards Palestinians. Thus, wise-reasoning may promote conflict resolution.

Keywords: intergroup conflict, intergroup reconciliation, cognitive factors, prejudice