Having an Outgroup College Roommate Affects Future Interracial Interactions.
Gaither, Sarah.
2017-04-18T13:55:46.969Z
-
Abstract: This study followed same-race (White/White) and interracial (White/non-White) roommate pairings living in campus dormitories. Data for this study were collected from 140 first-year White college students who were tracked across three phases during a one-year time span, the third phase being an in-lab video-taped interracial interaction with a Black confederate. Specifically, this study e... read morevaluated the cognitive and behavioral effects of regular interactions with either a same-race or other-race roommate on race-related attitudes and behavioral tendencies. Results suggest that there are a number of positive effects stemming from interactions with an other-race roommate such as coming to have a more diverse set of friends, thinking that diversity is more important, and learning more about oneself. Positive effects were also seen through participants' self-reported and nonverbal behavior during the lab interaction: White participants with other-race roommates were rated as being less anxious, more pleasant, less controversial, and more physically engaged during an interaction with a Black stranger. Thus, the results show that despite past research highlighting negative outcomes of having interracial roommates, these relationships can help lessen interracial anxiety and increase positivity toward racial outgroups in future interracial settings. Future directions, including investigation of non-White individuals, are discussed.
Thesis (M.S.)--Tufts University, 2011.
Submitted to the Dept. of Psychology.
Advisor: Samuel Sommers.
Committee: Nalini Ambady, and Ellen Pinderhughes.
Keyword: Social psychology.read less - ID:
- 3r075598v
- To Cite:
- DCA Citation Guide EndNote
