How does intergroup contact reduce prejudice? Meta‐analytic tests of three mediators

Abstract

Recent years have witnessed a renewal of interest in intergroup contact theory. A meta-analysis of more than 500 studies established the theory's basic contention that intergroup contact typically reduces prejudices of many types. This paper addresses the issue of process: just how does contact diminish prejudice? We test meta-analytically the three most studied mediators: contact reduces prejudice by (1) enhancing knowledge about the outgroup, (2) reducing anxiety about intergroup contact, and (3) increasing empathy and perspective taking. Our tests reveal mediational effects for all three of these mediators. However, the mediational value of increased knowledge appears less strong than anxiety reduction and empathy. Limitations of the study and implications of the results are discussed.

Children’s contact with people with disabilities and their attitudes towards disability: a cross-sectional study

“…Beyond the moderation effects, the association between contact and attitudes was shown to be mediated by empathy and anxiety, findings which reflect those reported in previous research [8]. These findings therefore add to the evidence base indicating that empathy and anxiety are important components to consider when developing interventions based on contact [8].…”

“…These findings therefore add to the evidence base indicating that empathy and anxiety are important components to consider when developing interventions based on contact [8]. For example, interventions promoting positive attitudes towards disability amongst children may focus on methods for creating real or imagined contact situations that enhance children's empathy and reduce anxiety about interacting with children with disabilities.…”

“…This effect has been demonstrated in a variety of social group contexts (e.g., race, age) [7] and has been shown to work by reducing anxiety about interacting with outgroup members and increasing empathy for them [8]. Group members' perceptions of intergroup similarity moderate the contact effect, with strongest effects being observed in contexts where intergroup similarity is high [9].…”

Migration and Multiculturalism

“…The classic intergroup contact hypothesis states that positive interaction (i.e., contact) between members of different groups (e.g., through intergroup friendships, Pettigrew, 1997 (Pettigrew & Tropp, 2008, in addition to threat reduction, their meta-analysis identified empathy and knowledge of the immigrant outgroup as mediators; see Binder et al, 2009, for longitudinal evidence of threat reduction as a mediator). A study in Italy showed that intergroup anxiety decreased with increasing contact which then reduced prejudice toward African immigrants (Voci & Hewstone, 2003).…”

Option-études Châteauguay

“…La liste des conditions favorables ou nécessaires aux contacts intergroupes n'a cessé de s'allonger dans la deuxième moitié du 20 e siècle. Des auteurs comme Pettigrew (1998 ;Pettigrew et Tropp, 2008) et Dovidio, Gaertner et Kawakami (2003) ont effectué des recensions de ces éléments essentiels tels que : la gestion de l'anxiété causée par ces contacts (Islam et Hewstone, 1993 ;Wilder et Shapiro, 1989 ;Stephan et White Stephan, 1985) ; la fréquence et la durée des rencontres (Cook, 1984 ;Wilder et Thompson, 1980 ;Worchel, Andreoli et Folger, 1977 ;Zajonc, 1968) ; un contexte qui permet d'avoir des relations personnalisées (Brewer et Miller, 1988 ; la création d'une identité supra-ordonnée rassembleuse (Gaertner, Mann, Murrell et Dovidio, 1989 ;Gaertner et coll., 1994) ; et le caractère plaisant des rapports (Wilder, 1984). De même, les recherches récentes sur les contacts entre francophones et anglophones au Québec (Côté, 2005 ;Pagé, Côté et Lasry, 2007) montrent que ceux-ci ont des particularités liées au caractère linguistique de ces contacts, notamment l'importance du sentiment de compétence dans leur langue seconde sur l'anxiété des participants lors des contacts.…”