Counter-stereotypes reduce emotional intergroup bias by eliciting surprise in the face of unexpected category combinations

Prati, Francesca; Crisp, Richard J.; Rubini, Monica

Abstract

In three experiments we investigated the impact that exposure to counter-stereotypes has on emotional reactions to outgroups. In Experiment 1, thinking about gender counter-stereotypes attenuated stereotyped emotions toward females and males. In Experiment 2, an immigrant counterstereotype attenuated stereotyped emotions toward this outgroup and reduced dehumanization tendencies. Experiment 3 replicated these results using an alternative measure of humanization. In both Experiments 2 and 3 sequential meditational analysis revealed that counter-stereotypes produced feelings of surprise which, in turn, elicited a cognitive process of expectancy violation which resulted in attenuated stereotyped emotions and an enhanced use of uniquely human characteristics to describe the outgroup. The findings extend research supporting the usefulness of counter-stereotype exposure for reducing prejudice and highlight its positive impact on intergroup emotions.

Citation

Prati, F., Crisp, R. J., & Rubini, M. (2015). Counter-stereotypes reduce emotional intergroup bias by eliciting surprise in the face of unexpected category combinations. Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, 61, 31-43. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2015.06.004

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 20, 2015
• Online Publication Date: Jun 27, 2015
• Publication Date: Nov 1, 2015
• Deposit Date: Aug 23, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 4, 2018
• Journal: Journal of Experimental Social Psychology
• Print ISSN: 0022-1031
• Electronic ISSN: 1096-0465
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 61
• Pages: 31-43
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2015.06.004
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1378484
• Related Public URLs: http://publications.aston.ac.uk/26490/