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Polish-Jewish intergroup communication: The mediating role of personalized cognition.
Author(s): Bilewicz, Michał
Date: 2006
Topics: Attitudes to Jews, Conflict, Conflict Resolution, Dialogue, Jewish - Non - Jewish Relations, Main Topic: Other, Psychology
Abstract: The goal of the present study was to test the mediating role of personalized cognition (perception of others as similar to self) in the impact of intergroup communication programs onthe improvement of intergroup attitudes. In Study 1, consistent with the contact hypothesis, the participants (N=190 Polish students) showed an increase of liking when they had moreopportunities to meet and to communicate with outgroup members. This effect was media-ted by the perception of outgroup as similar to self. Thus the present results support the personalization theory of intergroup contact. Study 2 (N=97 Jewish students) replicated theresults of Study 1 in an experimental model, with random assignment to contact and no-contact conditions, and demonstrated the mediating role of personalized cognition in theeffectiveness of intergroup communication programs. Both studies reveal the psychologicalnature of the positive effects of intergroup communication and suggest the direction for future real-life interventions.