Lebanese adolescents’ expectations about social inclusion of peers in intergroup contexts

Abstract

This study examined the role of group norms, group identity, age, contact, and stereotypes on youths’ decisions to include a peer in an intergroup context portraying Lebanese and American adolescents. Lebanese participants (N = 275), ages 12 and 16 years, were surveyed about expectations for inclusion of an out‐group target with similar interests or an in‐group target with different interests into their own Lebanese group or another American group. Findings indicated participants focused on shared interests, rather than national identity, when making inclusion decisions for either group and group norms mattered. Older participants expected American peers to be less inclusive towards an out‐group peer. Direct contact predicted inclusivity of out‐group American peers into one’s own Lebanese group, and indirect media‐based contact predicted expectations for inclusivity into an American out‐group. Findings have implications for interventions aimed at improving cross‐national friendships which, in turn, have the potential to reduce prejudicial attitudes.

Adolescents' evaluations of those who challenge exclusive and inclusive peer norms

“…In light of this more recent research and from an SRD perspective, we expected Lebanese youth would approve of inclusive deviants and disapprove of exclusive deviants. While inter‐cultural inclusivity of Lebanese adolescents was demonstrated in previous research, expectations for outgroup inclusivity varied by age, indicating that older adolescents expected an American outgroup to be less inclusive than younger adolescents (Hitti et al, 2021). This indicated an expectation for bias among American outgroup peers.…”

“…Past intergroup research focused on racial or ethnic inclusion and exclusion in predominantly European and North American samples. Recently, a study with Lebanese Arab adolescents, an under‐represented population in developmental and social psychology research, evidenced inter‐cultural inclusivity in a Lebanese/American intergroup context (Hitti et al, 2021). However, less is known about whether Lebanese youth value those who stand up to injustices such as inter‐cultural exclusion.…”

“…Research with both adolescents of Asian backgrounds (Park et al, 2003) and Lebanese adolescents (Ayyash‐Abdo, 2001) has suggested youth representing these populations value conformity and group cohesion. Alternatively, recent research indicated that inter‐ethnic and inter‐cultural inclusivities were also valued within similar adolescent samples (Hitti et al, 2020; Hitti, Melki, Sahakian, & Killen, 2021). Examining Asian American and Lebanese adolescents' views of deviant members can provide clarity on whether approval of those who challenge exclusive group norms can be generalized across different ethnic and cultural groups, particularly those who have been underrepresented in social psychology research (e.g.…”

What motivates adolescent bystanders to intervene when immigrant youth are bullied?

“…Furthermore, in longitudinal studies initial perceptions of peer group inclusivity affected later interest in, comfort with, and quality of cross‐ethnic friendships (Tropp et al, 2016), as well as attitudes about contact (Rivas‐Drake et al, 2019). The extent to which adolescents perceive their peers to be inclusive toward immigrants predicts attitudes and behaviors toward immigrant‐origin peers (Gönültaş & Mulvey, 2021; Hitti et al, 2021). Similarly, in a study in Northern Ireland (McKeown & Taylor, 2018), it was demonstrated that inclusive peer norms increased one's willingness to engage in prosocial behaviors with an outgroup member, but contact experiences with outgroups were driving this willingness to help an outgroup.…”