To know you is to love you: Effects of intergroup contact and knowledge on intergroup anxiety and prejudice among indigenous Chileans

Int J Psychol. 2017 Aug;52(4):308-315. doi: 10.1002/ijop.12229. Epub 2015 Oct 28.

Abstract

Two surveys were conducted in Chile with indigenous Mapuche participants (N study 1: 573; N study 2: 198). In line with previous theorising, it was predicted that intergroup contact with the non-indigenous majority reduces prejudice. It was expected that this effect would be because of contact leading to more knowledge about the outgroup, which would then lead to less intergroup anxiety. The two studies yielded converging support for these predictions.

Keywords: Intergroup anxiety; Intergroup contact; Intergroup knowledge; Prejudice.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Anxiety Disorders / psychology*
  • Chile
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interpersonal Relations*
  • Male
  • Prejudice / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires