The influence of self-selection and the negativity bias on intergroup contact

The negativity bias influences how contact between groups reinforces prejudices and ideas about other groups. This has long been researched by psychologists. Previous research suggests that positive intergroup contact can reduce prejudice. However, a recent meta-analysis by Paolini et al. (2024) points to a more complex picture. This is especially true when people can choose whether they have contact with others. I discuss this meta-analysis below. The researchers looked at the role of negative and positive experiences in intergroup contact. They also looked at the influence of self-selection and the impact of negativity bias.

Do face-to-face interactions reduce prejudice?

The research was conducted against the backdrop of seventy years of study into the effects of intergroup contact. Historically, psychologists have found that face-to-face interactions between members of different social groups can reduce prejudice and promote social cohesion.

However, the reality of such contacts is often characterized by self-selection, with individuals tending to avoid contact with the “outgroup”. This leads to a fundamental question: how do negative and positive experiences, in combination with the possibility of self-selection, influence intergroup contact and the resulting attitudes?

Method of research

The researchers conducted a meta-analysis in which they analyzed data from 238 independent studies, involving a total of 15,298 participants. These studies include different designs, ranging from experimental designs to longitudinal and cross-sectional studies.

The analysis focused specifically on the effect of contact valence (positive, ambivalent, negative, or unclear contact), the role of self-selection, and the influence of negativity bias. Self-selection was examined using various indicators, such as the possibility to participate in or withdraw from the study and the motivation to participate or not to participate in contact.

Results of the meta-analysis

The results showed the following:

• Self-selection had a major influence on the outcomes of intergroup contact. When people could choose whether they wanted contact, this strongly influenced how the contact went and what effects it had on their prejudices.
• Positive contact led to a decrease in prejudice, especially when people could choose to participate.
• However, the negative effect of negative experiences was much stronger than the positive effect of positive experiences.
• This negativity bias was especially noticeable when people could choose whether they wanted contact.
• Even ambivalent or neutral contacts were sometimes interpreted negatively when people had the freedom to choose their participation.
• This effect was strongest in situations where there were large differences in social status or economic circumstances between the groups.

Why is the negativity bias stronger in self-selection?

I found it counterintuitive that the negativity bias is stronger when people choose to contact themselves. I would expect that people would then be more benevolent and perhaps milder. After all, they have chosen the contact themselves. So what could be the reason for this phenomenon?

• One reason may be that people who choose to contact themselves already have a certain degree of curiosity or openness. If the contact subsequently turns negative, the disappointment or frustration may be extra strong because their expectations were higher. This contrast between expectation and reality ensures that the negative experience carries more weight, reinforcing negativity bias, or the tendency to give negative experiences more prominence than positive ones.
• Moreover, a negative experience can confirm existing prejudices. If someone had doubts but initiated contact anyway and it turned out negatively, this can be seen as confirmation of their original doubts or prejudices, further increasing the negativity bias.

Implications

The results of this meta-analysis are important for interventions aimed at improving relations between groups. Positive intergroup contact can reduce prejudice, especially when people choose to have contact. However, self-selection can ensure that only those with already positive feelings initiate contact, which limits the effect. Negative experiences reinforce prejudices, especially through negativity bias, and this effect is stronger when people can choose whether they want contact.

Policymakers and intervention designers must therefore take into account the circumstances under which contact takes place and ensure that there is no room for self-selection that leads to avoidance or reinforcement of negative attitudes. Addressing the negativity bias can play a key role in maximizing the positive effects of intergroup contact and minimizing the negative consequences.