- Intergroup contact typically reduces intergroup prejudice.
- Results suggest that contact theory, devised originally from racial and ethnic encounters can be extended to other groups.
- With random effects analysis, the 515 studies, 713 samples and 1,383 tests yield means rs that range from -.205 to -.214.
- The meta-analysis reveals that greater intergroup contact is generally associated with lower levels of prejudice (mean=r=-.215).
- 94% of the samples in our analysis show an inverse relationship between intergroup contact and prejudice.
- Not only do attitudes toward the immediate participants usually become more favorable, but so do attitudes toward the entire out-group, outgroup members in other situations, and even outgroups not involved in the contact.
- Results provide substantial evidence that intergroup contact can contribute meaningfully to reductions in prejudice across a broad range of groups and contexts.
- Consistent with Allport’s original contentions, authors believe that optimal conditions for contact are best conceptualized as functioning together to facilitate positive intergroup outcomes rather than as entirely separate factors.
- Reducing negative feelings such as anxiety and threat represents an important means by which intergroup contact diminishes prejudice.