Variables in interracial aggression: Potential ingroup censure

Examined the influence of potential ingroup censure and race of target on aggressive and rewarding responses in 2 experiments with white male undergraduates (N = 72). In Exp. I, Ss were allowed to aggress against a black or white target under conditions varying the availability of their responses to an ingroup member. Prior to statistical analysis, 2 orthogonal variates were identified: direct aggression and indirect aggression. It was found that lower levels of direct aggression were delivered to black targets under potential censure conditions (responses available) than under noncensure conditions (responses not available). No differential responding was exhibited toward white targets as a function of the same situational conditions. In Exp. II, potential censure was found to facilitate both a direct form of reward and an indirect form of aggression toward black targets. Results are discussed in terms of problems associated with heightening aggressive inhibitions. An expanded conceptualization of the notion of indirect aggression is offered. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved).