R-E-S-P-E-C-T, find out what it means to mixing: Testing novel emotional mediators of intergroup contact effects

Abstract

Although numerous studies have documented the robust effect of positive intergroup contact experiences in reducing prejudice and improving positive attitudes towards outgroups, intergroup contact theory is still expanding and developing. In contribution to this expansion, the current studies tackled four caveats extending the literature on widely studied angles of intergroup contact and bringing in the contribution of novel emotional mediators in contact effects. First, we examined whether contact experiences also related to social change indicators beyond prejudice, namely, attitudes towards personal and general mixing. Secondly, we included both positive and negative forms of intergroup contact in the majority of the studies we report. Thirdly, we introduced outgroup respect and understanding as novel emotional mediators of contact effects. Finally, we investigated variations of our hypothesized path models in several intergroup contexts across 6 countries and 21 studies (total N = 12,859), a) looking at interethnic and interreligious contact among advantaged and disadvantaged groups, b) tackling different forms of contact such extended contact, close friendships, and secondary transfer effects, and c) testing for longitudinal effects. We have shown evidence that positive experiences with outgroups are positively related to pro-mixing attitudes, via increased levels of outgroup respect and also outgroup understanding, the latter being observed in inter/ethnoreligious contexts. We discuss these findings in light of other recent advancements within the larger framework of intergroup contact research.