Vezzali, Loris, Stathi, Sofia ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1218-5239, Giovannini, Dino, Capozza, Dora and Trifiletti, Elena (2015) The greatest magic of Harry Potter: Reducing prejudice. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 45 (2). pp. 105-121. ISSN 0021-9029 (Print), 1559-1816 (Online) (doi:10.1111/jasp.12279)

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Abstract

Recent research shows that extended contact via story reading is a powerful strategy to improve out-group attitudes. We conducted three studies to test whether extended contact through reading the popular best-selling books of Harry Potter improves attitudes toward stigmatized groups (immigrants, homosexuals, refugees). Results from one experimental intervention with elementary school children and from two cross-sectional studies with high school and university students (in Italy and United Kingdom) supported our main hypothesis. Identification with the main character (i.e., Harry Potter) and disidentification from the negative character (i.e., Voldemort) moderated the effect. Perspective taking emerged as the process allowing attitude improvement. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed in the context of extended intergroup contact and social cognitive theory.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Harry Potter; Reducing prejudice; Story-telling
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Faculty / School / Research Centre / Research Group:	Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences Faculty of Education, Health & Human Sciences > School of Human Sciences (HUM)
Last Modified:	27 Apr 2017 08:40
URI:	http://gala.gre.ac.uk/id/eprint/13157

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