contact hypothesis

the proposition that interaction among people belonging to different groups will reduce intergroup prejudice. Research indicates that the prejudice-alleviating effects of contact are robust across many situations, but that they are strengthened when the people from the different groups are of equal status, are not in competition with each other, and do not readily categorize the others as very different from themselves. Also called intergroup-contact hypothesis.

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Psychology term of the day

January 14th 2025

medical psychotherapy

psychotherapy that makes use of medication and other medical techniques in the treatment of mental illness.