Imagining contact reduces prejudice in preschool children

Citations Over TimeTop 10% of 2019 papers

Abstract

Abstract We examined the effectiveness of an imagery‐based strategy designed to reduce prejudice in preschoolers in Italy. Three studies involving different target groups (disabled children, Black children) were conducted within Italian preschools. Children (4–6 years) were asked to imagine and draw meeting an outgroup member (Studies 1 and 2) or to imagine writing a letter to an outgroup member (Study 3). Results revealed that preschoolers in the experimental condition, relative to a control group, reported less intergroup bias in the form of contact intentions and resource allocation as well as greater behavioral inclusiveness; effects were mediated by improved intergroup attitudes. Our findings are important in understanding ways that promote positive intergroup relations in ways that align with the interests of young children.

Related Papers

• When Groups Meet: The Dynamics of Intergroup Contact(2011)
• → Imagined Contact Works in High-Prejudice Contexts: Investigating Imagined Contact’s Effects on Anti-Gay Prejudice in Cyprus and Jamaica(2014)38 cited
• → Intergroup Contact and the Central Role of Affect in Intergroup Prejudice(2004)28 cited
• → The effect of stereotype content on anger versus contempt in “day-to-day” conflicts(2011)28 cited
• → Reducing Prejudice and Discrimination(2020)128 cited