Racial Nostalgia Predicts Increases in Prejudice, Anger, and Fear Toward Latinx Immigrants and Collective Action for White Nationalism via Perceived Loss of Meaning in Life

Racial nostalgia has been shown to exacerbate negative reactions toward minority groups (e.g., immigrants) and further extremist goals, such asWhite nationalism. Based on cultural, identity-seeking, uncertainty, and continuity research, we proposed that perceived loss of meaning in life may explain why racial nostalgia leads to intergroup hostility and collective action for White nationalism. Utilizing two 100% White samples, we hypothesized that racial nostalgia would predict more intergroup fear, anger, prejudice, collective action for White nationalism, and perceived loss of meaning in life (Study 1, N = 570; Study 2, N = 701). Additionally, perceived loss of meaning in life was expected to mediate those relationships (Study 2). In line with predictions, racial nostalgia predicted increases in negative attitudes, fear and anger toward Latinx immigrants, and support for collective action for White nationalism (Studies 1 and 2). Perceived loss of meaning in life partially mediated those relationships, such that racial nostalgia predicted increases in negative attitudes, fear and anger, and collective action for White nationalism through increases in perceived loss ofmeaning in life (Studies 1 and 2). Implications for intergroup and emotion research are discussed.