Reliance on Direct and Mediated Contact and Public Policies Supporting Outgroup Harm

• In Event: ICA Plenary Interactive Paper/Poster Session II
  In Interactive Paper Session: Mass Communication Interactive Poster Session

Abstract

The present study used a three-wave longitudinal design to test the influence of reliance on direct and media-based vicarious contact for information about Muslims on Americans’ stereotypic beliefs of and negative emotions towards Muslims and support for public policies harming Muslims domestically and internationally. Consistent with the predictions of Intergroup Contact Theory, reliance on direct personal contact was negatively associated with stereotypic beliefs, negative emotions, and support for harmful policies. Reliance on media-based vicarious contact for information about Muslims produced the opposite results. Results revealed that perceptions of Muslims as aggressive and negative emotions towards Muslims mediated the link between contact and support for harmful policies. We discuss the differential effects of direct and vicarious contact in influencing intergroup outcomes.

Authors

• Muniba Saleem, University of Michigan

• Grace S. Yang

• Srividya Ramasubramanian, Texas AandM U