title: Valence matters: Positive meta-stereotypes and interethnic interactions.
abstract: Two experimental studies were conducted that aimed at testing whether the activation of positive meta-stereotypes among high-status group members involved in conflictual relationships with the low-status group is beneficial for intergroup relations. Results revealed that the activation of positive meta-stereotypes led Italian high-school students (high-status group) to anticipate greater enjoyment of an upcoming interaction with an African immigrant (low-status group) by increasing positive feelings about contact and concerns about being accepted. Initial prejudice emerged as the moderator, with the effects of positive meta-stereotypes present among those with average- to high-levels of prejudice. This study represents the first experimental demonstration that positive meta-stereotypes have beneficial effects for intergroup relations among high-status members. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.
authors.affiliation: a University of Modena and Reggio Emilia.
authors.forename: Loris
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Vezzali
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000339:Affect; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D011287:Prejudice; D013240:Stereotyping
keywords: Evaluative concerns; intergroup expectations; intergroup relations; positive meta-stereotypes; prejudice