Some socio-psychological precursors of inter-group reconciliation among young people in Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Vukovar (Croatia)

Conflict leaves a legacy of polarisation: social relations across group boundaries are loosened or severed: in interpersonal relations, in the diverging of opinions, beliefs, and ways of thinking. There is a prevalent and dominant perceptual pattern where people view their group as being the innocent victim and the rival group as the guilty perpetrator of wrongdoings. Reconciliation in post-conflict areas requires a change of beliefs, attitudes, motivations, goals, emotions, and patterns of behaviour that have been part of society for many years. The present study explores the process of reconciliation and forgiveness among young people in Belfast (Northern Ireland) and Vukovar (Croatia) and the role of some socio-psychological factors, such as inter-group contact, trust, empathy, and way of dealing with perception of victimhood and collective responsibility. Results suggest that the acceptance of collective responsibility, and propensity towards trust and empathy have positive implications on the process of reconciliation. Findings are discussed in terms of theoretical and practical implications on how to improve communication and better understanding between groups, and hot to move beyond the pattern of viewing the other side only through the prism of the suffering and pain of one’s group.