Awe and Stereotypes: Examining Awe as an Intervention against Stereotypical Media Portrayals of African Americans. Issue 4 (7th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dale, Katherine R.; Janicke-Bowles, Sophie H.; Raney, Arthur A.; Oliver, Mary Beth; Huse, Laura-Kate; Lopez, Jacob; Reed, Abigail; Seibert, Jonmichael; Zhao, Danyang
• Is Part Of: Communication studies. Volume 71:Issue 4(2020)
• Page Start: 699
• Page End: 707
• Publication Date: 2020-08-07
• Subjects: Self-transcendent emotions -- inspirational media -- discrimination -- attitudes -- sensitization -- priming; Communication -- Periodicals; Oratory -- Periodicals; 302.205
• DOI: 10.1080/10510974.2020.1754264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1051-0974

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Previous research has shown the harmful effects of stereotypical messages on viewers, including increased negative attitudes toward outgroup members. In contrast, positive or counter-stereotypical portrayals can lead to less prejudiced attitudes toward outgroup members; however, these kinds of portrayals are not always easy to come by. As a result, alternative methods for combating the effects of stereotypical messages are necessary. The current study examined the ability of self-transcendent emotions, specifically awe, to reduce the negative effects of stereotypical portrayals of African American men. Contrary to expectations, results showed that participants who watched an awe-inducing video before a stereotypical video reported more negative explicit attitudes toward African Americans compared to those in control conditions.