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Intergroup Contact and Outgroup Humanization: Is the Causal Relationship Uni- or Bidirectional?
Dora Capozza1, Gian Antonio Di Bernardo2, Rossella Falvo1
1Section of Applied Psychology, Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Education, and Applied Psychology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
Plos One
|January 25, 2017
Summary
Perceiving outgroups as more human encourages contact, while positive contact experiences increase attributions of humanity. This bidirectional relationship between contact and humanization was confirmed in two studies.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Intergroup Relations
Background:
- Humanity attributions to outgroups can influence intergroup contact.
- Contact experiences may shape perceptions of outgroup humanity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the bidirectional relationship between humanity attributions and intergroup contact.
- To explore how manipulating humanity perceptions affects willingness for contact.
- To examine how manipulated contact influences humanity attributions.
Main Methods:
- Study 1: Subliminal conditioning (humanizing/dehumanizing stimuli) with outgroup faces, followed by an approach/avoidance manikin task.
- Study 2: Manipulated contact using the manikin task, with subsequent assessment of humanity attributions.
Main Results:
- Humanization increased approach behavior towards outgroup members.
- Dehumanization did not significantly alter approach/avoidance behaviors.
- Contact conditions led to stronger attributions of uniquely human traits to the outgroup.
- Increased trust mediated the effect of contact on humanity attributions.
Conclusions:
- Findings confirm the bidirectional nature of the relationship between intergroup contact and humanity attributions.
- Positive contact experiences enhance perceptions of outgroup humanity, potentially mediated by trust.
- These results have implications for reducing intergroup prejudice and conflict.
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