Language, Stereotype Content, and Imagined Intergroup Contact

• In Event: Advances in Language and Social Psychology: New Research Directions

Abstract

This research blends past work on the stereotype content model, imagined intergroup contact, and the valence-salience effect. The latter suggests that negative contact is more powerful in influencing attitudes than positive contact. In our research, young people imagine contact with an older adults target who is described in positive or negative ways consistent with the stereotype content model's dimensions (likable/unlikable, moral/immoral, competent/incompetent). We examine reports of language and communication use in the imagined contact scenario, as well as consequences of the imagined contact for stereotypes and attitudes towards older adults. The specific communication dimensions examined are hypothesized to be tied to specific trait dimension in the older adult target. Specifically, traits related to likability should be associated with accommodative behaviors, competence should be associated with advice seeking, and morality should be associated with self-disclosure. We also explore the moderating effects of pre-existing attitudes about aging, as well as moderating effects of descriptive and evaluative fit of the target older adult derived from self-categorization theory. Data collection on this study is almost complete and analysis will begin soon. The data should advance research in this area by more closely integrating intergroup contact work with communication research, by exploring stereotypes rather than attitudes as a focal outcome of intergroup contact, and by further exploring the processes underlying the valence-salience effect.

Authors

• Jake Harwood, U of Arizona

• Nicholas Joyce, U of Arizona

• Chien-Yu Chen, U of Arizona

• Jun Xiang, U of Arizona

• Stefania Paolini, U of Newcastle

• Mark Rubin, U of Newcastle