Abstract
Considerable research has shown that taking on another person’s perspective decreases negative biases and stereotypes, particularly against marginalized individuals (Vescio et al., 2003; Matera et al., 2021; Todd et al., 2011). These studies suggest that taking on a marginalized person’s perspective- specifically as related to being from a marginalized group- leads to a reduction of negative biases; however, the contact hypothesis (Allport, 1954) suggests that any positive interaction should have a similar effect. Here we asked whether reading a personal story from a marginalized individual that does not touch on topics of discrimination has the same impact of increasing positive attitudes. In a research study approved by the institutional review board, we adopted a between-subjects design with two treatment groups (Story Condition vs Facts Condition) and one control group (Wildlife Condition). Sixty-nine participants responded to a pre- and post-test, rating how positively they felt towards pictures of individuals. Analyses were conducted on difference scores (pre to post ratings). Results showed that there was a main effect of Condition [F(2, 66) = 4.524, p = .014], suggesting that reading a personal neutral story about someone from a marginalized group can have a positive impact on the reader’s attitudes towards that person. More work should be done; however, these results are novel and important as they center marginalized individuals without repeatedly asking them to recount traumatic experiences of being marginalized—adding to the burden placed on marginalized individuals in our society and institutions. The results therefore have implications for antiracism work in institutions.