Comparing direct and imagined intergroup contact among children: Effects on outgroup stereotypes and helping intentions

We conducted an experimental intervention aimed at comparing the effectiveness of directand imagined intergroup contact. Italian elementary school children took part in a three-week intervention with dependent variables assessed one week after the last interventionsession. Results revealed that direct and imagined intergroup contact, compared to controlconditions of direct and imagined intragroup contact, had an additive impact when it cameto reducing negative stereotypes of immigrants and fostering future helping intentionstoward this group. The theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.