Some extended psychological benefits of challenging social stereotypes: Decreased dehumanization and a reduced reliance on heuristic thinking.

Prati, F.; Vasiljevic, M.; Crisp, R.J.; Rubini, M.

Abstract

One way to promote equality is to encourage people to generate counterstereotypic role models. In two experiments, we demonstrate that such interventions have much broader benefits than previously thought—reducing a reliance on heuristic thinking and decreasing tendencies to dehumanize outgroups. In Experiment 1, participants who thought about a gender counterstereotype (e.g., a female mechanic) demonstrated a generalized decrease in dehumanization towards a range of unrelated target groups (including asylum seekers and the homeless). In Experiment 2 we replicated these findings using alternative targets and measures of dehumanization. Furthermore, we found the effect was mediated by a reduced reliance on heuristic thinking. The findings suggest educational initiatives that aim to challenge social stereotypes may not only have societal benefits (generalized tolerance), but also tangible benefits for individuals (enhanced cognitive flexibility).

Citation

Prati, F., Vasiljevic, M., Crisp, R., & Rubini, M. (2015). Some extended psychological benefits of challenging social stereotypes: Decreased dehumanization and a reduced reliance on heuristic thinking. Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 18(6), 801-816. https://doi.org/10.1177/1368430214567762

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Nov 13, 2014
• Online Publication Date: Feb 25, 2015
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Deposit Date: Aug 23, 2017
• Journal: Group Processes and Intergroup Relations
• Print ISSN: 1368-4302
• Electronic ISSN: 1461-7188
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 18
• Issue: 6
• Pages: 801-816
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1368430214567762
• Related Public URLs: https://www.repository.cam.ac.uk/handle/1810/253149