The Influence of Authoritarianism and Social Dominance on Aggressive Behavior Against Minorities: The Moderating Role of Ambiguity Tolerance

• Grant number: 24/21079-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: May 01, 2025
• End date: February 28, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Humanities - Psychology - Fundamentals and Assessments in Psychology
• Principal Investigator: Ariela Raissa Lima Costa
• Grantee: Antônio Silvério da Rocha Neto
• Host Institution: Universidade São Francisco (USF). Campus Campinas. Campinas , SP, Brazil

Abstract

In the current context of political and social uncertainties, the rise of authoritarianism becomes essential for understanding contemporary social dynamics. This study investigates how both right-wing and left-wing authoritarianism interact with social dominance orientation and tolerance for ambiguity to influence aggressive behaviors against minorities in the Brazilian context. Using a sample of 600 adult participants, the research employs validated scales to measure right-wing and left-wing authoritarianism, social dominance orientation, tolerance for ambiguity, and forms of aggressive behavior. The analyses will include correlations, mean comparisons between genders, and structural equation modeling to assess the moderating role of tolerance for ambiguity. We expect to identify a positive relationship between authoritarianism and aggression, with significant variations between men and women, and to verify that tolerance for ambiguity reduces the propensity for aggression in more authoritarian individuals. Additionally, the bifactor structure of authoritarianism in the Brazilian context will be explored. This study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the psychological mechanisms underlying political and social behavior, offering insights into the perpetuation of social hierarchies and aggressive behaviors in Brazilian society.