Imagining Contact Reduces Prejudice in Pre-School Children

Birtel, M.D.; Di Bernardo, A.; Stathi, S.; Crisp, R.J.; Cadamuro, A.; Vezzali, L.

Abstract

We examined the effectiveness of an imagery‐based strategy designed to reduce prejudice in pre‐schoolers in Italy. Three studies involving different target groups (disabled children, Black children) were conducted within Italian pre‐schools. Children (4‐6 years) were asked to imagine and draw meeting an outgroup member (Studies 1 and 2) or to imagine writing a letter to an outgroup member (Study 3). Results revealed that pre‐schoolers in the experimental condition, relative to a control group, reported less intergroup bias in form of contact intentions and resource allocation as well as greater behavioral inclusiveness; effects were mediated by improved intergroup attitudes. Our findings are important in understanding ways that promote positive intergroup relations in ways that align with the interests of young children.

Citation

Birtel, M., Di Bernardo, A., Stathi, S., Crisp, R., Cadamuro, A., & Vezzali, L. (2019). Imagining Contact Reduces Prejudice in Pre-School Children. Social Development, 28(4), 1054-1073. https://doi.org/10.1111/sode.12374

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 13, 2019
• Online Publication Date: Mar 21, 2019
• Publication Date: Oct 30, 2019
• Deposit Date: Feb 15, 2019
• Publicly Available Date: Mar 21, 2020
• Journal: Social Development
• Print ISSN: 0961-205X
• Electronic ISSN: 1467-9507
• Publisher: Wiley
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 28
• Issue: 4
• Pages: 1054-1073
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/sode.12374
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1307965