Perceived Danger as a Catalyst for Hostility
Groups don’t need to hate each other to turn against one another – they only need to feel threatened. This session explores how perceived threats to values, status, or safety create emotional and cognitive defensiveness between groups. We will explore how intergroup threat operates across identity, politics, and belonging, and learn how to de-escalate it using tools grounded in psychology and strategic communication.
Detect and diffuse the psychological triggers of intergroup threat before they harden
🧠 Intergroup Threat Theory
🧠 Perceived Status Loss
🧠 Conflict Psychology
☑️ Identify different types of intergroup threat
☑️ Understand how threat perception impacts empathy, reasoning, and cooperation
☑️ Recognize how threat narratives are used to polarize and mobilize
☑️ Apply strategies to reduce threat perception and build relational trust
You need to disrupt threat-based escalation
Threat narratives are fueling hostility or miscommunication
Conflict Mediators
Who need tools to spot early signs of threat perception and reduce defensiveness
Strategic Communications Teams
Seeking ways to craft messages that diffuse fear
DEI & Organizational Leaders
Looking to address how perceived threat shapes intergroup dynamics at work
Policymakers
Wanting guidance on preventing escalation by responding to perceived threats with psychological insight