Acceptance of Feedback by the Stigmatized and Non-Stigmatized: The Mediating Role of the Motive of the Evaluator

In: Group processes & intergroup relations: GPIR, Band 3, Heft 1, S. 79-95

Abstract

We examined the acceptance of interpersonal performance feedback and its effect on self-esteem among participants who received feedback from evaluators who were likely to be racially biased or unbiased. Black and White participants were given positive or negative feedback by someone who could see them or not, and who was either pro-Black or pro-White. Blacks discounted positive feedback when seen by a pro-Black evaluator, whereas Whites discounted positive feedback when seen by a pro-White evaluator. The mirror opposite pattern was found for negative feedback, although the effects were not as strong. The discounting of negative feedback was associated with higher self-esteem only among Black participants. In addition, only Black participants bolstered their self-esteem on an unrelated dimension upon receipt of negative feedback. Results are discussed in terms of the role of motives in the acceptance of feedback.