Media users as allies: personality predictors of dominant group members’ support for racial and sexual diversity in entertainment media

Abstract

ABSTRACT The study examines psychological characteristics of dominant group allies (White, cisgender heterosexual individuals) in the context of media consumption. A survey of U.S. Americans (N = 272) examines the relationship between personality traits (openness and empathy) and support for racial and sexual diversity in the media. Both traits were predictive of (1) endorsing media diversity policies and (2) intention to consume diverse media content. However, these effects were largely mediated by the motivation to expand the boundaries of one’s self-concept rather than by social justice views. The findings are discussed in terms of allyship and media psychology.