The Intergroup and Intragroup Dynamics of Group Threat

People perceive and respond to group threats in a variety of ways. To explain when, how, and why groups react, in this Review we integrate insights of research on the processes underlying perceived intergroup and intragroup threats, and their consequences. First, we examine how group members collectively appraise situations as threatening, including through group discussions. Second, we identify factors that explain perceptions of threat severity. Third, we review predictors and moderators of responses to identify the conditions that help predict when and how groups and group members react in specific ways. Evidence shows that perceived intergroup threats often lead to negative outcomes such as polarization and negative emotions, while fostering positive intragroup effects. In contrast, perceived intragroup threats, while emotionally challenging and potentially weakening the ingroup, may improve intergroup relations. We synthesise the evidence into a framework that explains how groups appraise and respond to perceived intergroup and intragroup threats.