Imagined intergroup contact: A new technique for encouraging greater inter-ethnic contact in Cyprus.

Abstract

Intergroup Contact Theory maintains that the most effective way to reduce prejudice and discrimination is through contact between groups. However, where actual contact is impractical, or unlikely, imagined intergroup contact (Crisp & Turner, 2009) may represent a viable alternative. This study tested imagined contact in a context defined by extremely low levels of contact, the inter-ethnically divided island of Cyprus. Turkish Cypriot participants who repeatedly imagined positive contact with Greek Cypriots subsequently reported greater intentions to engage in future contact. This article discusses the benefits of applying this new technique to contexts that, like Cyprus, historically have very low levels of actual contact.Encouraging intergroup contact is a highly effective method for improving intergroup relationships (Allport, 1954;Oskamp & Jones, 2000;Pettigrew & Tropp, 2006). Yet, in the most segregated social contexts, the undoubted benefits of contact may be unrealized. There are many examples of communities for whom few opportunities for intergroup contact exist due to pervasive physical or social segregation. Cyprus is one example where the benefits of contact have remained unrealized. Despite the partial opening of the borders in 2003, only 1% of Greek Cypriots and 8% of Turkish Cypriots say that they frequently cross the ''green line'' that divides the

“Treating” Prejudice

“…Previous work on imaginal exposure has almost exclusively examined the impact of positive contact imagery after a single exposure (for a review, see Crisp, Husnu, Meleady, Stathi, & Turner, 2010; but see Husnu & Crisp, 2010b).…”

The Imagined Contact Hypothesis

“…The studies reported above by Turner and Crisp (2010b) and Vezzali et al (in press-a) therefore help rule out any demand explanation for the effects. We also note that other studies reviewed later in this chapter offer alternative ways of ruling out demand effects, such as the use of non-verbal behavioral measures Imagined Contact 25 (Turner & West, in press) and taking dependent measures one day after the imagery session (Husnu & Crisp, 2010b).…”

Can Facebook Aid Sustainability? An Investigation of Empathy Expression within the Humans of New York Blog

“…Merely imagining positive interaction with a member of an out-group can elicit the same results as physical interactions [30]. Studies with various outgroups have shown the positive effects of imagined contact including; the elderly [31], gay men [26], Muslims [32][33][34][35], illegal immigrants [36] and people with schizophrenia [37].…”