Timing is everything: Developmental changes in the associations between intergroup contact and bias. (May 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Merrilees, Christine E.; Taylor, Laura K.; Klotz, Madeline; Goeke-Morey, Marcie C.; Shirlow, Peter; Cummings, E. Mark
• Is Part Of: International journal of behavioral development. Volume 47:Number 3(2023)
• Page Start: 243
• Page End: 252
• Publication Date: 2023-05
• Subjects: Intergroup conflict -- intergroup processes -- TVEM -- adolescence -- dynamic change; Developmental psychology -- Periodicals; Behaviorism (Psychology) -- Periodicals; 150
• DOI: 10.1177/01650254221146409
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0165-0254

Abstract

Identifying developmental patterns in intergroup contact and its relation with bias is crucial for improving prevention strategies around intergroup relations. This study applied time-varying effects modeling (TVEM) to examine age-based changes in relations between contact and bias in a divided community that included 667 youth ( M age = 15.74, SD = 1.97) from Belfast, Northern Ireland, a conflict-affected setting. The results suggest no change in the relation between contact frequency and bias; however, the relation between contact quality and bias increases from ages 10–14 and then levels off. Differences between Catholics, the historic minority group, and Protestants, the historic majority group, also emerged. The article concludes with implications for future research and interventions for youth growing up amid conflict.