The bright side of authoritarian submission. Distinct cross‐lagged effects of right‐wing authoritarianism facets on intergroup helping intentions and susceptibility to anti‐helping misinformation during wartime mobilization

Abstract The key aim of the present research was to analyze the causal effects of authoritarian submission on intergroup helping intentions and susceptibility to anti‐helping misinformation in a context where authorities are mobilizing national support for the outgroup. Employing a longitudinal design, we surveyed a sample of Polish residents ( N in t 3 = 710) to examine distinct effects of RWA facets (authoritarian aggression, conventionalism, and authoritarian submission) on intergroup helping intentions and susceptibility to anti‐helping misinformation. For the first time, we have shown that while characteristics related to certain RWA facets can encourage supportive actions that align with the directives of authorities, others may simultaneously exacerbate existing negative attitudes. Our study revealed that while conventionalism predicted increased susceptibility to anti‐helping misinformation, authoritarian submission had a negative effect on this variable. Furthermore, only authoritarian submission increased intergroup helping intentions over time, reflecting adherence to norms endorsed by authorities. These findings highlight the complexity of RWA effects, suggesting that due to their opposite signs, certain relationships might be reduced when RWA is treated as a unidimensional construct. This emphasizes the need to recognize the multifaceted nature of RWA when designing both research as well as strategies aimed at promoting harmonious intergroup relations.