Abstract:  Inter-group vicarious retribution is the phenomenon whereby, after an out-group member attacks an in-group member, a member of the victim's group retaliates against a member of the perpetrator's group. Group-based vicarious retribution has largely gone beyond the original offenders and victims, and involves a wider range of other people in the group. Vicarious retribution is a complex psychological process, and its occurrence and extent are influenced by many fators. Perceived injury, in-group identification, out-group entitativity, group emotions and in-group audience effect are predictors of vicarious retribution. After the implementation of vicarious retaliation, the in-group members often has “positive” cognitive assessment and emotional experience. In the future, we need to integrate the psychological mechanisms of vicarious retribution, explore whether the different cultural values and religions idea can affect the possibility of vicarious retribution occurring, and the most important work is putting forward proposals to reduce vicarious retribution in society.

Key words: group conflict, inter-group vicarious retribution, group retribution, group relationship