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Published on: February 29, 2020
Confronting hate: heterosexuals' responses to anti-gay comments
1Department of Psychology, College of William & Mary, Williamsburg, Virginia 23187-8795, USA. cldickter@wm.edu
Abstract:
An online diary study was used to examine the individual and situational variables that influence non-targets' verbal and nonverbal reactions and responses to sexually prejudiced remarks. Results indicated that anti-gay comments were extremely prevalent in a college setting and resulted in a range of reactions and behaviors. Confrontation of the perpetrator was predicted by the perceived offensiveness of the comment, perceived social pressure to confront, and the number of close same-sex attracted friends. Additionally, those who confronted felt more satisfied with their responses than those who did not confront. Implications for future research and prejudice reduction strategies are discussed.
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