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Imagining Contact Reduces Prejudice in Pre-School Children

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

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Authors

M.D. Birtel

A. Di Bernardo

S. Stathi

A. Cadamuro

L. Vezzali



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 29, 2024
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

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Copyright Statement
This is the accepted version of the following article: Birtel, M.D., Di Bernardo, A. Stathi, S., Crisp, R. J., Cadamuro, A. & Vezzali, L. (2019). Imagining Contact Reduces Prejudice in Pre-School Children. Social Development 28(4): 1054-1073, which has been published in final form at https://doi.org/10.1111/sode.12374. This article may be used for non-commercial purposes in accordance With Wiley Terms and Conditions for self-archiving.





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