1
|
Yu D, Bai J, Zhao Y, Yin C, Liang F, Zhang J. Intergroup Contact Alleviates Loneliness: The Extensive Effect of Common Ingroup Identity. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:1257-1270. [PMID: 37095845 PMCID: PMC10122473 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s404275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previous studies show that intergroup contact, through common ingroup identity, has impact on intergroup processes such as reducing intergroup bias, improving intergroup relations, etc. The effect of intergroup contact on individual psychological process (through common ingroup identity), however, needs further exploration. Based on the positive effect of both intergroup contact and ingroup identification on mental health and well-being, this article proposes and tests a new model of individual loneliness reduction through intergroup contact by promoting common ingroup identity. Methods A total of 263 majority ethnic members and 275 minority ethnic members from China participated in the survey. Intergroup contact, common ingroup identity and loneliness were measured at three time-points (T1-T3) over an 8-month period. Longitudinal mediation analysis and parallel process Latent Growth Curve Model for mediation are used for the examination of the indirect effect of common ingroup identity. Results Longitudinal mediation analysis showed that intergroup contact quality at T1 positively predicted common ingroup identity at T2, and common ingroup identity at T2 alleviated loneliness at T3. Intergroup contact quality at T1 was indirectly linked to loneliness at T3 via common ingroup identity at T2. The parallel process latent growth curve model for mediation confirmed the robustness of the indirect effect of common ingroup identity. In addition, the growth rate of the quality of intergroup contact increased the growth rate of common ingroup identity, but reduced the growth rate of loneliness. Conclusion The current study revealed the protectiveness of intergroup contact and common ingroup identity on loneliness, viz., intergroup contact reduces individual loneliness by promoting common ingroup identity, the implication being that intergroup contact and common ingroup identity should be taken into account in intervening process of loneliness prevention so that an individual's physical and mental health could be better safeguarded.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dongfang Yu
- Center for Studies of Education and Psychology of Ethnic Minorities in Southwest China, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
- Reader Service Department, Guangxi University of Finance and Economics, Nanning, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Jinhua Bai
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Yufang Zhao
- Center for Studies of Education and Psychology of Ethnic Minorities in Southwest China, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
- Faculty of Psychology, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Chenzu Yin
- School of Teacher Education, Hechi University, Hechi, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Fangmei Liang
- School of Teacher Education, Hechi University, Hechi, Peoples Republic of China
| | - Jun Zhang
- College of International Studies, Southwest University, Chongqing, Peoples Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Friehs MT, Bracegirdle C, Reimer NK, Wölfer R, Schmidt P, Wagner U, Hewstone M. The Between-Person and Within-Person Effects of Intergroup Contact on Outgroup Attitudes: A Multi-Context Examination. SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGICAL AND PERSONALITY SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.1177/19485506231153017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The extensive literature on the contact hypothesis reports a positive association between intergroup contact and outgroup attitudes, yet it remains unknown whether this association reflects within-person (i.e., situational changes within individuals) or between-person (i.e., stable differences between individuals) effects. To investigate this question, we applied (random-intercept) cross-lagged panel models in two studies featuring different samples, measurements, and contexts. We found longitudinal contact–attitude associations in cross-lagged panel models, which cannot differentiate within-person and between-person effects. In random-intercept cross-lagged panel models, we identified between-person effects but not within-person effects. These results conflict with the contact hypothesis, which assumes that contact leads to intra-individual attitude change. We further investigated whether between-person effects represent spurious correlations caused by potential confounders (demographic characteristics, personality, and intergroup ideologies), but found that this was not the case. Our findings highlight the need to further investigate within-person effects and potential explanations of between-person differences in contact and attitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ralf Wölfer
- University of Oxford, UK
- Hochschule des Bundes für öffentliche Verwaltung, Berlin, Germany
| | - Peter Schmidt
- Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen, Germany
- Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Vezzali L, Trifiletti E, Wölfer R, Di Bernardo GA, Stathi S, Cocco VM, Cadamuro A, Shamloo SE, Hewstone M. Sequential models of intergroup contact and social categorization: An experimental field test of integrated models. GROUP PROCESSES & INTERGROUP RELATIONS 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/13684302221104921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Research has proposed different models of how contact situations should be structured to maximize contact effects, focusing in particular on the role of categorization during contact. We conducted two experimental field interventions ( Ns = 247 and 247) to test models that integrate different levels of categorization. Each of the tested models was contrasted against a no-intervention control condition. In both studies, we assessed effects shortly after the intervention (1 week later; i.e., posttest) and then after approximately 6 months (i.e., follow-up). In the first study, results generally supported the model where categorization precedes decategorization, showing effects on major dependent measures highlighted in research on intergroup contact: quantity and quality of contact, cross-group friendships, intergroup anxiety (marginal effect at follow-up), outgroup attitudes (only at follow-up). Evidence for follow-up effects for this model was, however, weaker in Study 2, where the delayed effects of the intervention emerged only indirectly, via changes in contact quality, outgroup attitudes, and approach behavioral intentions at posttest. Comparisons of the other two models (decategorization then categorization; and simultaneous categorization and decategorization) with the control condition (only in Study 1) provided weaker and inconsistent results.
Collapse
|
4
|
Stathi S, Humayun S, Stoddart Isaac R, McCarron DM. Psychopathy and prejudice: The mediating role of empathy, social dominance orientation and right‐wing authoritarianism. JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/jts5.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sofia Stathi
- School of Human Sciences, Institute for Lifecourse Development University of Greenwich London UK
| | - Sajid Humayun
- School of Human Sciences, Institute for Lifecourse Development University of Greenwich London UK
| | - Reay Stoddart Isaac
- School of Human Sciences, Institute for Lifecourse Development University of Greenwich London UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Askim K, Czajkowski NO, Knardahl S. Exploring dynamic relationships between employees’ personalities and psychosocial work factors. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF WORK AND ORGANIZATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/1359432x.2021.1912016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kine Askim
- National Institute of Occupational Health, Oslo, Norway
| | - Nikolai Olavi Czajkowski
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Mental Disorders, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Vezzali L, Di Bernardo GA, Cocco VM, Stathi S, Capozza D. Reducing prejudice in the society at large: A review of the secondary transfer effect and directions for future research. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Loris Vezzali
- Department of Education and Human Sciences Faculty of Medicine University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Reggio Emilia Italy
| | - Gian Antonio Di Bernardo
- Department of Education and Human Sciences Faculty of Medicine University of Modena and Reggio Emilia Reggio Emilia Italy
| | | | - Sofia Stathi
- School of Human Sciences University of Greenwich London UK
| | - Dora Capozza
- Department of Philosophy, Sociology, Pedagogy and Applied Psychology University of Padova Padova Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Meleady R, Seger CR, Vermue M. Evidence of a dynamic association between intergroup contact and intercultural competence. GROUP PROCESSES & INTERGROUP RELATIONS 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/1368430220940400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Three studies explored the association between intergroup contact and intercultural competence. Study 1 and Study 2 provided evidence of a cross-sectional association between intergroup contact and intercultural competence in which positive contact was associated with increased intercultural competence and negative contact was associated with reductions in this outcome. In Study 3, longitudinal data allowed us to test the possibility of mutual influence between these variables whereby intercultural competence is not only a consequence of intergroup contact but is also predictive of the quality of future intergroup contact. Results showed that positive contact was longitudinally associated with improvements in intercultural competence, and that higher intercultural competence was associated with a reduction in future negative contact. Findings speak to the importance of taking a dynamic outlook on contact effects. The beneficial consequences of positive contact may be the same variables capable of transforming future contact encounters and reducing the likelihood of negative interactions.
Collapse
|
8
|
Turner RN, Hodson G, Dhont K. The role of individual differences in understanding and enhancing intergroup contact. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Gordon Hodson
- Department of Psychology, Brock University St. Catharines Ontario Canada
| | - Kristof Dhont
- School of Psychology, University of Kent Canterbury UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bagci SC, Cameron L, Turner RN, Morais C, Carby A, Ndhlovu M, Leney A. Cross-ethnic friendship self-efficacy: A new predictor of cross-ethnic friendships among children. GROUP PROCESSES & INTERGROUP RELATIONS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1368430219879219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Across two studies ( NStudy 1 = 101; NStudy 2 = 262) conducted among children in the UK, we incorporate Bandura’s (1986) self-efficacy theory to intergroup contact literature and introduce the new construct of cross-ethnic friendship self-efficacy (CEFSE), the belief that one can successfully form and maintain high-quality cross-ethnic friendships. Study 1 examined whether sources of CEFSE beliefs (prior contact, indirect contact, social norms, and intergroup anxiety) predicted higher quality cross-ethnic friendships through CEFSE. Study 2 replicated Study 1 and extended it by including perceived parental cross-ethnic friendship quality as a further predictor. In both studies, sources of self-efficacy beliefs (except social norms) were related to CEFSE, which predicted higher quality cross-ethnic friendships. Study 2 demonstrated that parental cross-ethnic friendships had direct and indirect associations with children’s cross-ethnic friendships through sources of CEFSE and CEFSE beliefs. Findings are discussed in the light of self-efficacy and intergroup contact theories.
Collapse
|
10
|
Travaglino GA, Abrams D. How criminal organisations exert secret power over communities: An intracultural appropriation theory of cultural values and norms. EUROPEAN REVIEW OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/10463283.2019.1621128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni A. Travaglino
- School of Humanities and Social Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen 518100, China
- Centre for the Study of Group Processes, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NP, UK
| | - Dominic Abrams
- Centre for the Study of Group Processes, School of Psychology, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NP, UK
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Laurence J. Youth Engagement, Positive Interethnic Contact, and 'Associational Bridges': A Quasi-Experimental Investigation of a UK National Youth Engagement Scheme. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 48:1264-1280. [PMID: 31175512 PMCID: PMC6598961 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-019-01042-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Affective interethnic ties are highly effective for improving out-group attitudes, especially during adolescence. Yet, young people face several obstacles to developing such ties in society. One potential means of fostering greater interethnic connectivity is through youth engagement: that is, formal, organized social participation in groups, clubs, or activities. However, little is still known about its effectiveness; especially for overcoming structural obstacles to contact in society, such as residential segregation. This study has two aims: to robustly examine whether youth engagement can build positive interethnic contact among young people; and, to perform the first systematic test of whether sites of engagement can act as “Associational Bridges”, providing greater opportunities for contact among youth from more segregated environments. To pursue these aims, the study exploited a unique data opportunity to perform a quasi-experimental analysis of a large-scale, nationally-implemented youth engagement scheme in the United Kingdom. The study uses pre-test/post-test data on N = 1371 participants (Mage = 16.7; 63% Female; 36% non-White) and N = 1946 propensity-score matched controls (Mage = 16.7; 62% Female; 36% non-White). Applying a (matched) difference-in-difference approach, the findings demonstrate that participation led to an increase in affective interethnic ties, which were evident at least 4–6 months after involvement had ended. Participation also had a stronger positive impact on youth from more residentially segregated areas: although joining the scheme with fewer interethnic ties, post-participation they reported just as many ties as their peers from less segregated areas. However, participation had no difference in effects for youth from more or less ethnically diverse areas. Youth engagement may thus be an effective tool for fostering positive contact; particularly among those from more segregated environments. However, attention should be paid to the design and recruitment practices of engagement programs to understand which structural barriers to contact in society they can overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- James Laurence
- Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. .,Wissenschaftszentrum Berlin für Sozialforschung, WZB Berlin Social Science Center, Reichpietschufer 50, 10785, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Drury L, Travaglino GA. Demobilising by legitimising: Masculine honour, positive and negative contact, and social activism against criminal organisations. GROUP PROCESSES & INTERGROUP RELATIONS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1368430219842917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Italian mafia-type groups exert governance over the community. To do so, they must engage in contact with community members. Previous research indicates that individuals’ endorsement of masculine honour values is associated with more frequent contact with members of criminal organisations (COs). The present research examines the relationship between masculine honour and both positive and negative contact, as well as the potential implications of such contact. Structural equation modelling of survey data ( N = 327) revealed that masculine honour was associated with positive but not negative contact with COs’ members. Positive contact was, in turn, associated with a stronger tendency to see COs as matching the ideals of honour (romanticisation), and lower perceived threat. In contrast, negative contact was associated with stronger perceived threat from COs’ presence. Finally, romanticisation and lower perceived threat were associated with lower intentions to engage in social activism against COs. Results support the idea that cultural values of masculine honour make the presence of COs in society more acceptable and are an important predictor of contact with this type of group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth Drury
- Birkbeck, University of London, UK
- University of Kent, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
13
|
Reches LHL, Feddes AR. Similarity attracts: The role of personality in similarity perceptions and children's attitudes towards refugees. BRITISH JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 37:447-460. [PMID: 31004369 PMCID: PMC6850161 DOI: 10.1111/bjdp.12285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2018] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Previous research has shown that children's intergroup similarity judgements are based not only on ethnicity but also on other dimensions such as sports interest. The present research investigates the role of personality in perceived similarity between ingroup children and refugee outgroup children. A study was conducted among 9- to 12-year-old children (N = 124) at two elementary schools in the Netherlands. It was predicted and found that children take into account ethnicity as well as personality (whether a child is introverted or extraverted) when judging similarity of ingroup (Dutch) and outgroup (refugee) children. Furthermore, we predicted and found that greater perceived similarity between Dutch children and refugee children was associated with more positive attitudes towards refugee children. Finally, children felt lower levels of anxiety towards an extraverted compared to an introverted refugee child. Lower anxiety, in turn, was associated with more positive attitudes towards refugee children. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Statement of contribution What is already known? McGlothlin et al. (2005, British Journal of Developmental Psychology, 23, 227) found that similarity ratings are based not only on ethnicity but also on sports interest. Studies among adults show that extraversion is negatively related to anxiety and positively to cross-group friendships. What does this study add? The present study shows that children also base similarity ratings on the personality trait extraversion. Higher similarity between self/ingroup and refugee children is related to positive outgroup attitudes. This study shows that extraverted children feel less anxiety to an extraverted refugee child. Lower anxiety in children is related to more positive attitudes to refugee children in general.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leyla H L Reches
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Allard R Feddes
- Department of Social Psychology, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bagci SC, Piyale ZE, Sen E, Yildirim O. Beyond shifting intergroup attitudes: Intergroup contact's association with socio-cognitive skills and group-based ideologies. JOURNAL OF THEORETICAL SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/jts5.45] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ezgi Sen
- Department of Psychology; Isik University; Sile Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Connected guys: Endorsement of masculine honour predicts more frequent contact with members of criminal organisations. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
|