Cross-Racial Engagement on Campus and Personality Differences

• In Event: 77.034 - Uncovering Implicit Factors in Experiences of Students of Color

Abstract

Research on diversity in higher education has consistently shown that interracial friendships (IRFs) and cross-racial interactions (CRIs) are associated with different predictors and positive outcomes. In this paper I test for a new predictor of both CRIs and IRFs – individual personality differences. To do so I use a sample of Black and White students at two universities, one large flagship public and one medium sized elite private. Predictors include perceptions of campus diversity, belonging, experiences of discrimination, as well as the Big Five personality factors. Results show that agreeableness is associated with positive CRIs while openness is associated with IRFs. I finish with a discussion of implications for future research and institutional efforts to promote diverse learning communities.

Author

• David Diehl, Vanderbilt University