Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 5, 2026
07:01
Experimental Paradigm for Measuring the Effects of Self-distancing in Young Children
Published on: March 1, 2019
8.6K
Changing Attitudes Through Social Influence: Does Social Distance Matter?
Amanda L Mahaffey1,2, Angela D Bryan1
1a Department of Psychology and Neuroscience , University of Colorado Boulder , Boulder , Colorado , USA.
Journal of Homosexuality
|August 22, 2015
Summary
Social influence and social distance significantly impact attitudes toward gay and lesbian individuals. Peer suggestion can sway discriminatory or non-discriminatory judgments, indicating attitudes are not fixed.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Attitude Formation
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- Attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals are complex and influenced by various factors.
- Understanding the malleability of prejudice is crucial for promoting social change.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of social influence and social distance on attitudes toward gay and lesbian targets.
- To determine if peer suggestion can alter discriminatory judgments.
Main Methods:
- Three studies were conducted with 814 participants (51% female).
- Participants' judgments of gay and lesbian targets were assessed after exposure to either a derogatory or favorable message from a peer.
- Social influence and social distance were measured as key variables.
Main Results:
- Social influence was a significant predictor of final evaluations of the targets.
- Social distance also significantly predicted participants' attitudes.
- Feedback from peers demonstrably influenced participants' judgments.
Conclusions:
- Discrimination against gay men and lesbian women is not necessarily fixed.
- Individuals can be persuaded to discriminate or not discriminate based on social suggestion.
- Attitudes towards LGBTQ+ individuals are susceptible to social influence and context.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Impact of Individuals on Individuals
480
Human behavior is intricately shaped by social influences that arise from interactions with others in diverse contexts. These influences not only mold beliefs and attitudes but also drive the regulation of behaviors through both direct communication and observational learning. The study of these processes falls within the domain of social psychology, which seeks to understand how individuals are affected by and affect those around them.Mechanisms of Social InfluenceDirect social influence...
480
01:21Impact of Social Context on Individuals
454
Social psychology examines how the real or imagined presence of others influences individuals' thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. A key concept in this field is the role of social context in shaping behavior. The same individual may act differently depending on the social setting, due to the varying expectations and norms associated with each environment. This context-dependent behavior illustrates the influence of social roles, which prescribe appropriate conduct in specific situations.Social...
454
01:30Causes of Social Behavior I: Actions and Characteristics of Individuals
435
The actions and characteristics of others heavily influence the causes of social behaviors. Emotional expressions serve as powerful social signals, shaping behaviors and interactions in significant ways. Whether through direct observation or subconscious processing, individuals constantly adjust their responses based on the emotions and attributes of those around them.Emotional Cues and Social ResponsesFacial expressions, tone of voice, and body language provide crucial emotional cues that...
435
00:52Social Proof
32.6K
Social proof is a form of persuasion based on comparison and conformity. People compare their behavior and actions to what others are doing and will change to conform to do what their peers do.
32.6K
01:29Social Psychology and Individual Behavior
452
Social psychology examines how group dynamics, emotions, and cultural influences shape individual actions and decision-making. These elements interact to form behavioral patterns that affect personal choices and social interactions.The Role of Group DynamicsGroups play a crucial role in shaping behavior by reinforcing norms and expectations. Individuals derive a sense of self from group membership, often aligning their behaviors with group norms to maintain social cohesion. For example, an...
452
01:23The Role of Culture
519
Culture plays a crucial role in shaping self-identity and influencing thought and behavior, a foundational interest within social psychology. The multicultural perspective recognizes that individuals do not exist in a vacuum; instead, their experiences, perceptions, and actions are deeply influenced by the intersecting dimensions of their cultural, ethnic, and social group affiliations.Cultural Influence on Self-Identity and Social PerceptionCultural frameworks inform how individuals define...
519