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Mariska Kappmeier imageEmail mariska.kappmeier@otago.ac.nz
Tel +64 3 479 7681

“Peace grows where we sow trust” (trans. German proverb).

This German proverb reflects the core of Dr Mariska Kappmeier's research in intergroup relations.

As a researcher in the Department of Psychology at the University of Otago, New Zealand, Dr Kappmeier examines a crucial question: How can groups build trust and move towards reconciliation when their shared history involves conflict and tension?

Dr Kappmeier, who holds a PhD from the University of Hamburg and completed post-doctoral work at Harvard University and has developed the Intergroup Trust Model. This multidimensional framework provides valuable insights into trust-building and erosion between groups.

Her research encompasses intergroup trust, collective memories, and the complex relationship between institutions and diverse communities. Through this work, Dr Kappmeier contributes to our understanding of trust dynamics in various social contexts.

Research Interests

Dr Kappmeier's areas of research expertise and writing for publication include

  • Intergroup Trust and Trust Building
  • Minority-Majority Relations
  • Identity-related policies
  • Collective Memories
  • Psychometric Instrument Development

Publications

Rafferty, R., & Kappmeier, M. (2026). Rethinking narrative intervention: The potential role of alternative narratives in interethnic reconciliation. International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 113, 102426. doi: 10.1016/j.ijintrel.2026.102426 Journal - Research Article

Raissi, H., & Kappmeier, M. (2026). Sense of belonging among Muslim youth in New Zealand: Navigating discrimination through reactive religiosity and dissimulation. Australian Journal of Islamic Studies, 11(1), e106. doi: 10.55831/ajis.v11i1.1387 Journal - Research Article

Venanzetti, C., & Kappmeier, M. (2026). Us versus Them? Salvini’s targeting of security-based trust as a divide-et-impera strategy. Italian Political Science, 20(1), 1-34. doi: 10.69101.IPS.2025.20.1.1 Journal - Research Article

Hunter, J., Hu, Q., Platow, M. J., Tran, J. N., Knight, P., Kappmeier, M., Ruffman, T., & Scarf, D. (2025). Cultural differences in the perception of control and intergroup discrimination. In A. Akande (Ed.), Modern cross-cultural management: Understanding diversity in global business. (pp. 355-379). Cham, Switzerland: Springer Nature. doi: 10.1007/978-3-031-82900-0_14 Chapter in Book - Research

PytlikZillig, L. M., & Kappmeier, M. (2025). Participatory engagement: Three potential pathways for impacting public trust in institutions. In F. Six, J. A. Hamm, D. Latusek, E. van Zimmeren & K. Verhoest (Eds.), Handbook on trust in public governance. (pp. 308-330). Cheltenham, UK: Edward Elgar. doi: 10.4337/9781802201406.00026 Chapter in Book - Research

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