Interdependent self-construal predicts reduced sensitivity to norms under pathogen threat: An electrocortical investigation

•Under conditions of threat, norm violations often induce strong neural responses.•Neural responses to norm violations entail the N400 and upper-alpha suppression.•Interdependent self-construal is associated with buffering of the effect of threat.•The two neural responses show similar patterns for threat and interdependent SC. Prior evidence suggests that external threat motivates people to monitor norm violations. However, the effect of threat may be attenuated for those high in interdependent self-construal (SC) because this SC affords a sense of protection against the threat. Here, we tested this possibility by priming or not priming young American adults with a pathogen threat. We then had participants read norm-violating or normal behaviors while assessing two electrocortical markers: N400 (indexing the detection of norm violations) and suppression of upper α-band power (indexing vigilance to the violations). In the threat priming condition, interdependent SC predicted decreased responsiveness to norm violations. In the control priming condition, however, interdependent SC predicted increased responsiveness. Our work suggests that interdependent SC may provide a sense of security under threat.