An intervention approach to reducing threat appraisal and avoidance associated with intergroup interactions

Area of Science:

• Social Psychology
• Intergroup Relations

Background:

• Intergroup contact effectively reduces prejudice, but avoidance of such contact hinders this process.
• Altering cognitive appraisals is a potential strategy to overcome avoidance and improve intergroup relations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reduce majority group members' avoidance of intergroup interactions.
• To investigate the impact of an intervention on cognitive appraisals and avoidance desire.

Main Methods:

• 156 Anglo Australian participants were assigned to an intervention or control group.
• The intervention provided evidence-based techniques for improving interactions with minority members.
• Participants evaluated interaction scenarios with minority and majority group members.

Main Results:

• The intervention successfully reduced threat appraisal for interactions with minority group members.
• Avoidance desire was reduced, irrespective of the interaction partner's group.
• Threat appraisal reduction was specific to minority group interactions, unlike avoidance desire.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive appraisals play a crucial role in mediating the effects of interventions on intergroup avoidance.
• Interventions targeting cognitive appraisals can effectively reduce avoidance of intergroup contact.
• Findings highlight the importance of cognitive factors in fostering positive intergroup relations.