GIAN ANTONIO DI BERNARDO - personale UniMoRe

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GIAN ANTONIO DI BERNARDO

Professore Associato
Dipartimento Educazione e Scienze Umane

Pubblicazioni

2024 - Avoiding affect in intergroup relations: The roles ofdispositional and intergroup empathy in the relationshipbetween alexithymia and prejudice [Articolo su rivista]
Birtel, Michèle D.; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Hobson, Hannah; Collins-Quirk, Ashleigh; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Alexithymia, that is, difficulties in recognizing, communicating, and processing one's own emotions, is associated with poorer interpersonal relations. Emotional processes are key drivers and mechanisms of prejudice and its reduction, and alexithymia is thought to influence individuals' empathic responses. This research examined the relationship between alexithymia and prejudice, and the role of empathy in this relationship. Three studies were conducted in three intergroup contexts to test whether alexithymia is also associated with poorer intergroup relations with lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender+ individuals (Study 1, N = 126 heterosexual late adolescents) and Asian British people (Study 3, N = 300 White adults) in the United Kingdom, and immigrants in Italy (Study 2, N = 381 Italian adults). Participants completed the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), measures on dispositional and intergroup empathic concern (EC) and perspective taking (PT) as well as measures of prejudice (anti-outgroup hostility, anti-outgroup attitudes, and anti-outgroup behavioral intentions). Lower dispositional EC (Studies 1, marginal effect in Study 2) and intergroup EC and PT (Study 3) mediated the relationship between the Externally Oriented Thinking subscale of the TAS-20 (i.e., avoiding emotions and affective thinking) and greater prejudice. The findings are important for understanding the challenges of late adolescents and adults with alexithymia in intergroup relations, highlighting the role of dispositional and intergroup empathy for individual differences such as alexithymia in endorsing prejudice.

2024 - Peer inclusion and school equality norm associations with intergroup contact, and academic self-efficacy amongst ethnic majority and ethnic minority youth [Articolo su rivista]
Mckeown, Shelley; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Charlesford, Jaysan; Vezzali, Loris; Sagherian-Dickey, Thia
abstract

Social norms are important predictors of youth attitudes and behaviours. There is substantial evidence that positive and meaningful intergroup contact supported by inclusive norms can have a range of benefits beyond prejudice reduction. The present research explores whether perceived peer inclusion norms and perceived norms of equality in school are associated with better quality and more frequent intergroup contact and in turn, whether these are associated with better academic self-efficacy. To test these assertions, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with ethnic majority and ethnic minority youth aged 11–12 (n = 629, 48% female, 43% minority ethnic) attending one of four ethnically diverse secondary schools in England. In support of our hypotheses, we found that both perceived inclusive peer norms and perceived school equality norms were associated with higher quantity and quality of contact for both ethnic majority and minority group youth. An indirect effect was observed whereby perceived peer norms of inclusion and school norms of equality were associated with higher academic self-efficacy through higher quality outgroup contact for both groups. No indirect effect was observed for contact quantity. Findings evidence the importance of perceived peer and school equality norms as well as intergroup contact effects for outcomes that go beyond prejudice reduction, in this case academic self-efficacy.

2023 - Body shame in 7-12-year-old girls and boys: The role of parental attention to children’s appearance [Articolo su rivista]
Pecini, Chiara; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Vezzali, Loris; Andrighetto, Luca
abstract

Guided by the Tripartite Influence Model and Objectification Theory, we examined whether parents’ attention to their children’s appearance was related to higher body shame in girls and boys. In Study 1 (N=195) and 2 (N=163), we investigated 7-12-year-old children’s metaperceptions about parents’ attention to their appearance and its association with children’s body shame. In Study 3, we examined the link between parents’ self-reported attention to their children’s appearance and children’s body shame among parent-child triads (N=70). Results demonstrated that both children’s metaperceptions and fathers’ self-reported attention to children’s appearance were associated with body shame in children. Furthermore, when mothers’ and fathers’ attitudes toward their children were analyzed simultaneously, only fathers’ attention to their children’s appearance was associated with greater body shame in girls and boys. Notably, no gender differences emerged, suggesting that parents’ attention to their children’s appearance was not differentially related to body shame in girls and boys. These results remained significant when controlling for other sources of influence, namely peer and media influence, both of which were found to have a strong association with body shame in children. Theoretical and practical implications of our findings are discussed.

2023 - Effective ways for reducing dehumanization: Interpersonal and intergroup strategies [Articolo su rivista]
Prati, F.; Crapolicchio, E.; Dvorakova, A.; Bernardo, Di; Ruzzante, D.
abstract

Up to date, research on dehumanization has widely been explored showing the consequences of the denial of humanity to others, the groups that are affected by this refusal, or even the cognitive and neural networks that are involved when perceiving others as less human. Dehumanization is still so grounded in human nature that it is now fundamental to understand how this phenomenon can be prevented. For this reason, in this paper, we aimed at showing what specific strategies, that can operate and impact at the interpersonal or intergroup level, can be used to avert dehumanization and its consequences.

2023 - FIGHTING FOR POWER IN GAME OF THRONES: SOCIAL DOMINANCE ORIENTATION, CHARACTER MORALITY, AND COLLECTIVE VERSUS INDIVIDUAL INTERESTS WORLDVIEWS [Articolo su rivista]
Bisagno, E.; Cocco, V. M.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Crapolicchio, E.; Cadamuro, A.; Mccauley, P.; Pagliaro, S.; Vezzali, L.
abstract

Focusing on the "Game of Thrones" saga, we investigated among fans ( N = 338) whether social dominance orientation (SDO) is associated with morality attributed to characters of TV fictions and, in turn, individuals' worldviews. We further considered the distinction in SDO-Dominance (SDO-D) and SDO-Antiegaliatarianism (SDO-A). Results revealed that SDO-D was positively associated with morality attributed to characters using harsh power-achievement strategies; SDO-A was negatively associated with morality attributed to characters fighting for collective interests and supporting equality principles. Morality attributed to some characters mediated the associations of the two SDO dimensions with participants' worldview about pursuing collective rather than individual interests.

2023 - Following the best of us to help them: Group member prototypicality and collective action [Articolo su rivista]
Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Paolini, Stefania; Vezzali, Loris; Stathi, Sofia; Rubin, Mark; Subašić, Emina
abstract

While considering the role of group-level factors as predictors of collective action, research has overlooked the role of group prototypes in determining willingness to engage in collective action. To begin to investigate this area, we conducted two correlational studies (Ns = 141 and 98) in high schools examining the association between prototypical ingroup members’ desire to engage in collective action and participants’ collective action on behalf of a disadvantaged group (immigrants). Results showed a positive association between these two variables. We also investigated boundaries of this effect, finding that the association emerged when participants lacked personal experiences with the disadvantaged group (cross-group friendships; Study 1) or identified more with their ingroup, an effect also found when including a behavioral measure of collective action (Study 2). Intentions to follow the prototypical ingroup member emerged as the mediator (Study 2). It is worth noting that our methodology allowed us to assess prototypicality in a naturalistic context by calculating a metacontrast ratio for each group member, in line with self-categorization theory’s conceptualization of prototypicality. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications, with reference to the role of prototypicality as a means of social influence and to developing social norms in the context of collective action.

2023 - Let's stay close: An examination of the effects of imagined contact on behavior toward children with disability [Articolo su rivista]
Cocco, V. M.; Bisagno, E.; Bernardo, G. A. D.; Bicocchi, N.; Calderara, S.; Palazzi, A.; Cucchiara, R.; Zambonelli, F.; Cadamuro, A.; Stathi, S.; Crisp, R.; Vezzali, L.
abstract

In line with current developments in indirect intergroup contact literature, we conducted a field study using the imagined contact paradigm among high-status (Italian children) and low-status (children with foreign origins) group members (N = 122; 53 females, mean age = 7.52 years). The experiment aimed to improve attitudes and behavior toward a different low-status group, children with disability. To assess behavior, we focused on an objective measure that captures the physical distance between participants and a child with disability over the course of a five-minute interaction (i.e., while playing together). Results from a 3-week intervention revealed that in the case of high-status children imagined contact, relative to a no-intervention control condition, improved outgroup attitudes and behavior, and strengthened helping and contact intentions. These effects however did not emerge among low-status children. The results are discussed in the context of intergroup contact literature, with emphasis on the implications of imagined contact for educational settings.

2023 - Multiple existential threats and attitudes towards Muslims in Finland and Italy during COVID-19 pandemic [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Jasinskaja-Lahti, Inga; Eskelinin, Viivi; Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

Presentazione orale al simposio “What makes life easier or harder in the new society? Refugees’ and residents’ responses to immigration and intergroup processes”

2023 - Multiple existential threats and attitudes towards Muslims in Finland and Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic [Articolo su rivista]
Eskelinen, Viivi; Jasinskaja-Lahti, Inga; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

We are currently living in a time of several existential threats: the global pandemic COVID-19, climate change, and the ‘refugee crisis’ caused by violent conflicts and humanitarian catastrophes in Syria, Afghanistan, and Ukraine. These threats do not only affect our well-being but also our sense of control and security, as well as identities and worldviews having also intergroup consequences. In this study, we investigated the links between perceived existential threats (i.e. COVID-19, climate change, and refugee crisis in 2015 that multiplied Muslim population in Europe), national and religious identities, and attitudes towards Muslims (i.e. Muslim refugees, Muslim minority, and Muslim converts) among Christian national majority group members in Finland and Italy in 2020. The results were analysed with multigroup structural equation modelling, and they demonstrated some key differences between how threats perceived from climate change and the refugee crisis in 2015 are translated into the reactions towards Muslims. While threats associated with the refugee crisis were detrimental to outgroup attitudes, climate change threats elicited more positive attitudes towards the outgroups studied. Our preliminary analyses suggested that COVID-19, in turn, seems to elicit feelings of worldview defence through higher levels of national identification with no negative attitudinal ramifications. While Abrahamic identity as a believer was directly associated with more positive attitudes towards Muslims in Italy, it did not account for the link between existential threats and outgroup attitudes. The results are discussed in light of how different threats increase or decrease intergroup harmony.

2023 - Once upon a time…: Using fairy tales as a form of vicarious contact to prevent stigma-based bullying among schoolchildren [Articolo su rivista]
Cocco, V. M.; Bisagno, E.; Visintin, E. P.; Cadamuro, A.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Shamloo, S. E.; Trifiletti, E.; Molinari, L.; Vezzali, L.
abstract

We conducted a vicarious contact intervention with the aim of promoting bystanders' intentions to react to stigma-based bullying among schoolchildren. Participants were Italian primary schoolchildren (N = 117 first to third graders); the outgroup was represented by foreign children. Vicarious contact was operationalized with story reading, creating fairy tales on stigma-based bullying where minority characters were bullied by majority characters. Once a week for 3 weeks, participants were read fairy tales in small groups by an experimenter and engaged in reinforcing activities. Results revealed that the intervention increased intergroup empathy (but not intergroup perspective-taking) and anti-bullying peer norms and fostered contact intentions. The intervention also had indirect effects via intergroup empathy on helping and contact intentions and on bystanders' reactions to stigma based-bullying. We discuss theoretical and practical implications, also in terms of the relevance of the present results for school policy. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

2023 - Parental Support during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Friend or Foe? A Moderation Analysis of the Association between Maternal Anxiety and Children’s Stress in Italian Dyads [Articolo su rivista]
Cadamuro, A.; Bisagno, E.; Trifiletti, E.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Visintin, E. P.
abstract

There is evidence that parental psychological disorders in stressful situations increase the risk of disturbance in child development. This has been investigated in disasters but not in pandemics, which are sensibly different from other types of traumatic events. We investigated the relationship between mothers’ anxiety and their children’s (self-reported) stress and the boundary conditions of this association during the first full COVID-19 lockdown in Italy. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mothers might have increased their protective attitudes to secure and support their children; we tested whether the relationship between mothers’ anxiety and children’s stress was weaker (buffer effect) or stronger (over-protection effect) when perceived parental support was high. We measured mothers’ anxiety, children’s perceived parental support, and children’s stress in a sample of 414 8- to 11-year-old primary school children (229 females, Mage = 9.44) and 395 mothers (Mage = 42.84). Results supported the over-protection scenario and provided the first evidence for the “helicopter-parent effect” during the COVID-19 pandemic: mothers’ anxiety was positively associated with children’s stress only when perceived support was high. Our finding highlights the importance of educating parents (for example, via emotional training) to prevent the worst consequences of adverse events in children and promote their mental health.

2023 - Proxemic Behaviors During Gay/Straight Interactions: An Automated Analysis Through Kinect Depth-Sensing Camera [Articolo su rivista]
Sacino, Alessandra; Bicocchi, Nicola; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Pecini, Chiara; Di Gesto, Cristian; Maragliano, Andrea; Vezzali, Loris; Andrighetto, Luca
abstract

Through two experimental studies (N = 150), we investigated proxemic behaviors featuring gay/straight dyadic interactions. In doing so, for the first time, we relied on an IR depth camera and considered the interpersonal volume between the interactants, a novel feature that exhaustively captures interactants' proxemic behaviors. Study 1 revealed that the straight participants' implicit sexual bias - but not the explicit prejudice - significantly predicted their volume while interacting with a study accomplice who was presented as gay (vs. straight). However, unlike previous research, mixed-model analyses revealed the higher their implicit bias was, the smaller the interpersonal volume that they maintained with the gay study accomplice, especially when the conversation focused on an intergroup-related (vs. neutral) topic. Study 2 was mainly designed to deepen this main finding. Results documented that highly implicitly biased participants who maintained a smaller interpersonal volume with a gay (vs. straight) study accomplice were more cognitively depleted after the interaction than low-biased participants, possibly suggesting that highly implicitly biased straight people can control this nonverbal behavior to appear as nonprejudiced in the gay interactant's eyes. Implications for research on sexual prejudice and intergroup nonverbal behaviors are discussed.

2023 - Secondary transfer effect of intergroup contact: Personality as the underlying process [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Trifiletti, Elena; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Turner, Rhiannon; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Presentazione orale al simposio “The broader benefits of intergroup contact: Primary, secondary and tertiary transfer effects”

2023 - Sequential models of intergroup contact and social categorization: An experimental field test of integrated models [Abstract in Rivista]
Vezzali, L; Trifiletti, E; Wolfer, R; Di Bernardo, Ga; Stathi, S; Cocco, Vm; Cadamuro, A; Shamloo, Se; Hewstone, M
abstract

Research has proposed different models of how contact situations should be structured to maximize contact effects, focusing in particular on the role of categorization during contact. We conducted two experimental field interventions (Ns = 247 and 247) to test models that integrate different levels of categorization. Each of the tested models was contrasted against a no-intervention control condition. In both studies, we assessed effects shortly after the intervention (1 week later; i.e., posttest) and then after approximately 6 months (i.e., follow-up). In the first study, results generally supported the model where categorization precedes decategorization, showing effects on major dependent measures highlighted in research on intergroup contact: quantity and quality of contact, cross-group friendships, intergroup anxiety (marginal effect at follow-up), outgroup attitudes (only at follow-up). Evidence for follow-up effects for this model was, however, weaker in Study 2, where the delayed effects of the intervention emerged only indirectly, via changes in contact quality, outgroup attitudes, and approach behavioral intentions at posttest. Comparisons of the other two models (decategorization then categorization; and simultaneous categorization and decategorization) with the control condition (only in Study 1) provided weaker and inconsistent results.

2023 - Solidarity across group lines: Secondary transfer effect of intergroup contact, perceived moral distance, and collective action [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Pagliaro, Stefano; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Mckeown, Shelley; Cocco, Veronica Margherita
abstract

We tested, in three studies, whether the generalization of contact effects from primary to secondary outgroups—the secondary transfer effect (STE)—occurs for collective action. The results supported a serial mediation model: contact with immigrants by advantaged group members (Italians: Study 1, N = 146, 121 females, Mage = 28.31 years; Study 3, N = 406, 239 females, Mage = 36.35; British people, Study 2, N = 160, 113 females, Mage = 32.31) was associated with lower perceived moral distance toward primary outgroups, which in turn was associated with more positive attitudes and greater collective action intentions toward primary outgroups, and lower perceived moral distance toward secondary outgroups. Lower perceived moral distance toward secondary outgroups and stronger collective action intentions toward the primary outgroup were associated with higher collective action intentions toward secondary outgroups (results were inconsistent for attitudes). We discuss the findings with a focus on how a consideration of perceived moral distance extends current theorizing, and the relevance of generalized prejudice for the STE.

2023 - Sport identification, modal perceptions, and collective action in young football players [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Sarrica, Mauro; Norton, Laura Soledad; Bisagno, Elisa; Cadamuro, Alessia; Stathi, Sofia; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Poster presentato al 19th General Meeting della European Association of Social Psychology (Cracovia, Polonia).

2023 - Using indirect intergroup contact strategies to foster the inclusion of disadvantaged children [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bisagno, Elisa; Cadamuro, Alessia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Stathi, Sofia; Crisp, Richard; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

2023 - Using sport media exposure to promote gender equality: Counter-stereotypical gender perceptions and the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, L.; Visintin, E. P.; Bisagno, E.; Broker, L.; Cadamuro, A.; Crapolicchio, E.; De Amicis, L.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Huang, F.; Lou, X.; Stathi, S.; Valor-Segura, I.; Harwood, J.
abstract

By relying on literature on counter-stereotypes and media contact, we investigated whether media exposure is associated with counter-stereotypical gender perceptions. Focusing on the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup, we recruited samples (N = 2,228) from eight competing countries (China, France, Germany, Italy, Scotland, Spain, England, US) across three continents. We hypothesized that exposure to media coverage of the competition’s counter-stereotypical female exemplars would be associated with increased counter-stereotypical perceptions of women. Results revealed that media exposure was associated with greater communion and agency attributed to women. In turn, communion and agency were associated (negatively and positively, respectively) with attribution of stereotypically male abilities (abilities to engage in stereotypically male academic disciplines and jobs) to women compared to men. No effects emerged for perceptions of stereotypically female characteristics. Gender moderated these effects, with associations being stronger among male than among female respondents. Theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed.

2022 - Bambini e il terremoto: come la gestione delle emozioni e le relazioni possono ridurne l’impatto psicologico [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Vezzali, Loris; Trifiletti, Elena; Bisagno, Elisa; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita
abstract

Un disastro naturale può avere gravi conseguenze psicologiche sui bambini a causa delle loro immature capacità di comprendere gli eventi e attivare adeguate strategie. È fondamentale, pertanto, identificare i fattori che possono aiutarli ad affrontarlo psicologicamente in modo più adattivo. Uno studio suggerisce, ad esempio, come la Teoria della Mente (ToM), cioè la capacità di attribuire stati mentali (emozioni e credenze), a sé e ad altri, sia un importante fattore di protezione in quanto promuove l’utilizzo di strategie efficaci di coping, in grado di attenuare gli effetti traumatici in bambini esposti ad un terremoto. Cruciale risulta il supporto percepito dai pari e dai genitori. In particolare, il livello di stress materno è emerso come in grado di influenzare maggiormente i vissuti psicologici dei figli. Per promuovere l’elaborazione psicologica di un evento traumatico, come un terremoto, appare fondamentale, pertanto, intervenire anche nella relazione genitori-figli.

2022 - Contact, personality, and the secondary transfer effect [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Vezzali, Loris; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Turner, Rhiannon N.; Trifiletti, Elena; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

Although here is an emergent literature showing that personality and intergroup contact interact, much less work has been conducted on the reciprocal relationship between the two types of constructs. We present two longitudinal studies aimed at showing that contact and personality are in a reciprocal relationship, and that changes in personality can be a key process allowing secondary transfer effects, that is generalization of contact effects to outgroups not directly involved in contact. In both studies, participants were Italian high-school students, who answered questionnaires concerning relations with immigrants. In the first 2-wave study, participants (N = 387) were administered a questionnaire at the beginning and at the end of the school year. Results revealed a bi-directional relationship between cross-group friendships and social dominance orientation, but no evidence that contact influenced dispositional empathy (empathic concern, perspective taking) over time. In the second 3-way study, participants (N = 442) were administered a questionnaire at the beginning and end of the school year, and again at the end of the following school year. Results revealed that quality of contact at T1 was associated with agreeableness at T2, which in turn was associated with more positive attitudes toward immigrants and toward an unrelated outgroup (gay people) collected at T3. In conclusion, contact shapes personality, which contributes explain generalization of contact effects.

2022 - Fighting stigma-based bullying in primary school children: An experimental intervention using vicarious intergroup contact and social norms [Articolo su rivista]
Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Bisagno, Elisa; Visintin, Emilio Paolo; Cadamuro, Alessia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Trifiletti, Elena; Molinari, Luisa; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

In this theory-driven experimental field intervention, we used vicarious intergroup contact, a popular prejudice-reduction strategy, to fight stigma-based bullying. We focused on the role of peer norms, manipulated by asking participants to work individually or collectively in reinforcing activities following vicarious contact (operationalized as story reading). Participants were 346 Italian 4th-5th grade primary school children (48% females). Participants were allocated to a 2 (Target: outgroup vs. ingroup vicarious contact) × 2 (reinforcing activities: collective vs. individual) experimental design. Results revealed that outgroup (vs. ingroup) vicarious contact was indirectly associated with greater intentions to react to name-calling and socially exclusionary behavior (two common forms of bullying) toward foreign children, only when participants collectively negotiated responses to reinforcing activities.

2022 - INVESTIGATING THE ASSOCIATIONS OF POSITIVE AND NEGATIVE INTERGROUP CONTACT WITH NORMATIVE AND NONNORMATIVE COLLECTIVE ACTION AMONG ADVANTAGED GROUP MEMBERS: THE MEDIATING ROLE OF COMMON INGROUP IDENTITY AND OUTGROUP MORALITY [Articolo su rivista]
Cocco, V. M.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Stathi, S.; Vezzali, L.
abstract

We conducted one study to investigate the associations of positive and negative contact with normative and nonnormative collective action among advantaged group members. We also differentiated collective action intentions and support, to further investigate the emergence of differential contact effects. Common ingroup identity and outgroup morality were tested as mediators. Participants were Italian adults (N = 391) and the target outgroup was immigrants. Results revealed that positive contact was positively associated with normative collective action intentions and support, while the associations were of opposite valence in the case of negative contact; the effects of positive contact were of greater magnitude than those of negative contact. For nonnormative collective action, positive associations emerged between positive contact and collective action support, and between negative contact and collective action intentions (for the latter measure, the effect of negative contact was stronger than that of positive contact). Common identity and outgroup morality mediated the effects of both positive and negative contact on normative (but not on nonnormative) collective action. Results are discussed in terms of deepening our knowledge of the effects of contact on nonnormative collective action and of expanding our understanding of mediating and moderating processes.

2022 - Il contatto tra gruppi [Capitolo/Saggio]
Vezzali, Loris; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

Questo capitolo si propone di fornire una panoramica dell’ipotesi del contatto e dei suoi sviluppi successivi. Dopo aver introdotto il contatto e gli studi che ne hanno dimostrato efficacia e portata, passiamo a spiegarne i meccanismi di funzionamento, prima di concentrarci su come debba essere strutturato un setting di contatto. Prendiamo successivamente in esame nuove forme di contatto indiretto individuate dalla ricerca. Concludiamo infine con quello che può essere visto come un limite oppure come una vera e propria sfida per il contatto, portandoci a capire davvero se questa strategia possa migliorare la società rendendola più equa e inclusiva.

2022 - Il ruolo della diversità culturale nella risposta al terremoto [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Vezzali, Loris; Cadamuro, Alessia; Trifiletti, Elena; Bisagno, Elisa; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita
abstract

La ricerca ha largamente ignorato il ruolo della diversità culturale delle comunità nell’orientare la risposta ai disastri naturali. Il programma di ricerca da noi condotto all’indomani del sisma 2012 dell’Emilia-Romagna si è focalizzato sulle diversità etniche e, in particolare, sull’appartenenza al gruppo italiano e a quello di origini straniere, considerando campioni di adulti e bambini. In particolare, si sono analizzati i predittori e i processi psicologici alla base degli atteggiamenti e del sostegno reciproco, indagando i fattori che dividono la comunità a causa delle differenze tra i gruppi e quelli che la uniscono precisamente grazie a queste diversità. I risultati offrono un ricco panorama di elementi rilevanti, con risultati spesso diversi e addirittura opposti tra adulti e bambini oltre che tra italiani e persone di origine straniera.

2022 - Interazione diretta e mediata con la disabilità e riduzione del pregiudizio [Capitolo/Saggio]
Vezzali, Loris; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

Il capitolo tratta principalmente del contatto tra i gruppi come strategia di riduzione del pregiudizio

2022 - L’impatto sociale del terremoto: la risposta della comunità [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Vezzali, Loris; Cadamuro, Alessia; Trifiletti, Elena; Bisagno, Elisa; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita
abstract

Non è raro che i disastri naturali portino a una forte risposta da parte della popolazione, in termini di aiuti per i sopravvissuti ma anche, in qualche caso, di sostegno reciproco tra coloro che sono stati colpiti. La ricerca si è tuttavia prevalentemente concentrata sulla popolazione esterna nei termini dei fattori che favoriscono l’aiuto. Il programma di ricerca che presentiamo, condotto nell’ambito del sisma 2012, considera le popolazioni colpite. Si esaminano in particolare le determinanti dell’aiuto per le persone della propria comunità e l’atteggiamento nei loro confronti. Inoltre, si considerano i processi psicologici sottostanti, analizzando un ampio spettro di età, dai bambini agli adulti. Un fattore di novità è rappresentato dall’analisi dell’impatto psicologico del terremoto che, sebbene abbia conseguenze negative a livello individuale, rappresenta in qualche modo il collante che consente alla comunità di affrontare la situazione e tentare di risollevarsi.

2022 - Priming attachment security and outgroup humanization: The mediation role of intergroup emotions [Articolo su rivista]
Capozza, D.; Falvo, R.; Di Bernardo, G. A.
abstract

Individuals tend to dehumanize the outgroup. In this paper, we explore whether the activation of attachment security can attenuate dehumanization. Two studies were performed. In Study 1, attachment security was primed by showing pictures that depicted relationships with attachment figures; the outgroup was the homeless and humanization was measured considering the attribution of uniquely human and non-uniquely human emotions to this group. In Study 2, the sense of interpersonal security was activated by inviting participants to relive a recent interaction that left them with a feeling of safety and warmth. Outgroup members were the Roma, and humanization was measured considering the attribution of uniquely human and human nature traits to them. In Study 2, the mediation effect of intergroup emotions was investigated. In both studies, outgroup humanization effects were highlighted. In Study 2, these effects were mediated by increased empathy toward the outgroup. Interestingly, the positive impact of security activation was not moderated by chronic attachment orientations. Findings suggest strategies that can be used to improve intergroup relations in specific contexts and in society at large.

2022 - Secondary transfer effect and moral distance as a form of deprovincialization [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Mckeown, Shelley
abstract

2022 - Sexting and the experience of non-consensual dissemination of sexts. The moderator role of self-objectification [Articolo su rivista]
Crapolicchio, E.; Pecini, C.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Regalia, C.; Andrighetto, L.; Vezzali, L.
abstract

Non-consensual dissemination of sexual materials – or sexts – via technology represents a crime with psychological and social consequences for the victims, mostly women. Commonly, non-consensual dissemination of sexts results from sexting, i.e., the practice of sharing sexually explicit materials via mobile and internet technologies. The literature so far has provided inconsistent results on the implication of this practice, and it remains unclear under which conditions sexting may represent a risk for suffering non-consensual dissemination of sexts. Based on objectification theory (Fredrickson & Roberts, 1997), we investigated whether the relationship between sexting and experiences of non-consensual dissemination of sexts in young women (N = 351) would be moderated by self-objectification, i.e., the consideration of themselves as a sexual object rather than a fully human being. Overall, results revealed that the link between sexting behaviors and experiences of non-consensual dissemination of sexts was significant only for women with high levels of self-objectification, suggesting that women who reduce themselves to sexual objects were more likely to have experienced non-consensual dissemination of sexts due to sexting behaviors. Implications of results are discussed

2022 - Social dominance orientation in children: The validation of the long and short version of the child SDO6 scale [Articolo su rivista]
Cadamuro, A.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Trifiletti, E.; Bisagno, E.; Shamloo, S. E.; Faccini, M.; Vezzali, L.
abstract

We aimed to validate a long and a short version of the popular SDO6 scale for children, by testing their reliability and factorial structure, as well as divergent and criterion validity. Italian fourth- and fifth-graders (N = 271; 49.45% female) were administered the Child SDO6 scale, composed of 16 items, along with a series of personality and intergroup relations measures (using foreigners as the minority group). Paralleling results obtained with adults, findings concerning the short version provided evidence for a two-factorial structure, consisting of an SDO-Dominance and an SDO-Anti-egalitarianism dimension. Both for the long and the short version, greater levels of SDO-Dominance and SDO-Anti-egalitarianism were associated with more neuroticism, attitudinal and stereotypic bias, and with less agreeableness, openness to experience, dispositional and intergroup empathy. In conclusions, the two SDO dimensions as assessed by the short Child SDO6 Scale may be relevant variables to consider when testing intergroup relations processes among children.

2022 - Stop looking at me! associations between men's partner-objectification and women's self-objectification, body shame and life satisfaction in romantic relationships [Articolo su rivista]
Pecini, C.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Crapolicchio, E.; Stathi, S.; Vezzali, L.; Andrighetto, L.
abstract

A growing amount of empirical evidence shows that sexual objectification can be elicited within the context of romantic relationships, leading to adverse consequences for women's well-being. However, most of this research assessed women's self-reported perceptions of being objectified by their romantic partner, while scant and not converging research has considered men's objectifying perceptions toward their romantic partners. Furthermore, little is known about the underlying mechanisms through which partner-objectification is associated with negative consequences for women. To fill these gaps, we involved a sample of heterosexual couples (N = 196) and investigated whether men's partner-objectification would be related to women's self-objectification (in terms of self-surveillance) and, in turn, their body shame. Further, we examined whether self-objectification and body shame mediated the relation between men's partner-objectification and women's undermined life satisfaction. Confirming our hypotheses, serial mediation analyses showed that partner-objectification was associated with life satisfaction in women via the indirect effect of self-objectification and body shame. Implications of these findings for literature on sexual objectification and relationship satisfaction are discussed. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

2022 - Strategies for the promotion of humanity attribution to outgroups [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Capozza, Dora; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Falvo, Rossella; Stathi, Sofia; Hodson, Gordon
abstract

Outgroup dehumanisation, the denial of full humanity to outgroups relative to ingroups, is pervasive in many contemporary societies. The aim of the present work is to review effective strategies aimed at fostering outgroup humanity attribution. After presenting the main models of humanity attribution, we differentiate two types of strategies. Outgroup-specific strategies are focused on a target outgroup, therefore their effectiveness is more dependent upon the specific intergroup relationship. These include intergroup contact, meta-humanisation, and social categorisation. In contrast, outgroup-independent strategies are not inherently linked to a target outgroup, implying that their effectiveness is less dependent on the specific intergroup dynamics under consideration. These involve human-animal similarity and secure relationship attachment. We provide evidence for the effectiveness of these strategies and their underlying processes, showcasing our research program within the larger literature. In so doing, we take into account the distinction between blatant and subtle dehumanisation, and conclude with suggestions for future research.

2022 - The importance of understanding hot to promote collective action [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita
abstract

This special issue aims to provide novel directions in research on collective action, bringing together both leading and promising scholars in collective action research. The special issue includes one methodological and eight empirical articles, targeting both advantaged and disadvantaged group members from three continents (Northern and Southern America, Asia, Europe), considering different types of intergroup relations (based on ethnicity, religion, gender, and sexual orientation), and distinct collective action forms (nonviolent or normative collective action, and violent or nonnormative collective action). The proposed studies focus a) on the antecedents that may foster or inhibit collective action, b) on potential moderators of effects on collective action, and c) on the strategies that can be used to promote it, like intergroup contact. To achieve these aims, the studies employed experimental, longitudinal, and correlational methodologies, and considered nonstudent samples to improve ecological validity. The special issue can inspire researchers interested in working on collective action and in promoting a more equal society

2022 - The role of optimal conditions and intergroup contact in promoting positive intergroup relations in and out of the workplace: A study with ethnic majority and minority workers [Articolo su rivista]
Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris; Birtel, Michéle D.; Stathi, Sofia; Ferrari, Barbara; Giovannini, Dino; Pettigrew, Thomas F.
abstract

A field study was conducted with majority and minority group members to test whether the effects of optimal contact conditions and of intergroup contact generalize across situations, and extend to the support of intergroup equality in terms of agreement with social policies benefitting the minority group. Participants were 163 Italian and 129 immigrant workers in three corporate organizations. Results from structural equation modelling analyses revealed that, for the majority group, positive contact stemming from optimal contact conditions was indirectly associated, via reduction in negative stereotypes, with more positive behavior that generalized across situations. For both majority and minority groups, positive contact stemming from optimal contact conditions was associated with less negative stereotypes, and in turn with greater support for social policies favoring the minority. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, also in relation to the significance of the present results for research investigating the relation between intergroup contact and social change.

2021 - Comparing story reading and video watching as two distinct forms of vicarious contact: An experimental intervention among elementary school children [Articolo su rivista]
Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Bisagno, Elisa; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cadamuro, Alessia; Riboldi, Sara Debora; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Trifiletti, Elena; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Research has shown that vicarious contact, that is observing an interaction between ingroup and outgroup members, can improve intergroup relations. Although vicarious contact has been operationalized in different ways, mainly via story reading or video watching, an experimental comparison of these different strategies is still missing. We conducted a school intervention with the aim of comparing the two most used forms of vicarious contact, namely story reading and video watching. Elementary schoolchildren without disabilities (N = 292) were assigned to one of three different conditions: reading a story; watching a video; control. In the two vicarious contact conditions, participants read or watched the story of a child with disability becoming friends with children without disabilities; in the control condition, participants only completed the dependent measures. Results revealed that, in general, both vicarious contact conditions were equally effective in improving outgroup attitudes and behavioural intentions. In addition, they operated with the same strength through the same underlying processes (IOS, ingroup norms). We discuss theoretical and practical implications in the context of vicarious contact as a prejudice‐reduction intervention.

2021 - Fading Affect Bias in Intergroup Relations: The Role of Intergroup Contact in Fading Outgroup Affect [Articolo su rivista]
Birtel, M. D.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Negative affect associated with autobiographical events fades faster over time than positive affect. This Fading Affect Bias (FAB) has been established in the individual and interpersonal domains. Two studies tested the FAB in intergroup relations with Muslims (N= 76 White British non-Muslim) and opposite gender (N = 242 women and men) as target outgroups. The results indicated that the FAB exists in an intergroup context, for both ingroup and outgroup memories. Mediation analyses showed that intergroup contact is related to a lower fading of positive affect associated with the outgroup memory, through greater memory strength and a more positive outgroup member evaluation. The findings are important for understanding affect associated with intergroup memories and the buffering effect of positive contact.

2021 - Fostering social change among advantaged and disadvantaged group members: Integrating intergroup contact and social identity perspectives on collective action [Articolo su rivista]
Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris; Stathi, Sofia; Mckeown, Shelley; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Saguy, Tamar; Dixon, John
abstract

Recent research on intergroup contact has shown how interactions with outgroup members may both decrease and increase motivations to achieve social equality. Similarly, social identity theory has identified the conditions that lead individuals to challenge unequal social systems. Integrating these two major theories, the current study examined the processes underlying the relationship between intergroup contact and participants’ willingness to engage in collective action to challenge social inequality. Specifically, we tested sociostructural variables (status legitimacy and stability, and permeability of group boundaries) as potential mediators of contact in a sample of both advantaged (Italian high school students, N = 392) and disadvantaged (immigrant high school students, N = 165) group members. We found that contact was positively associated with motivation for change, an effect mediated by decreased perceived legitimacy of status differences. Moreover, for the advantaged group, membership salience moderated the effects of quality (but not quantity) of contact. Indirect effects were instead not moderated by content of contact (an index considering the extent to which contact was characterized by a focus on differences vs. commonalities between groups). Theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed.

2021 - May the odds be ever in your favor: The Hunger Games and the fight for a more equal society. (Negative) Media vicarious contact and collective action [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; McKeown Jones, Shelley; McCauley, Patrick; Stathi, Sofia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cadamuro, Alessia; Cozzolino, Valeria; Trifiletti, Elena
abstract

2021 - Promoting social inclusion of children with disability in the school using vicarious and imagined intergroup contact [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bisagno, Elisa; Cadamuro, Alessia; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Ginevra, Maria Cristina; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Birtel, Michèle; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

We present five studies conducted with non-disabled schoolchildren, showing that an active and preventive approach can be effective in promoting social inclusion. We relied on indirect intergroup contact strategies, and specifically on vicarious contact (observing an interaction between ingroup and outgroup members) and imagined contact (mentally simulating a positive intergroup interaction). In Study I (N = 81), 4 to 6 years old children were asked to imagine a positive interaction with a child in a wheelchair while drawing it. Results obtained by contrasting the experimental with a control condition revealed effects on a behavioral measure of resource allocation and intentions to be friends with children with disabilities. The effect was mediated by improved outgroup attitudes. In Study II (N = 292), 6 to 9 years old children were presented with a story or a comparable video depicting positive interactions between a child in a wheelchair and his non-disabled peers. Compared with a control condition, children reading the story or watching the video revealed more positive intentions to become friends with children with disabilities. In this case, the effect was mediated by inclusion of the other in the self, ingroup norms, empathy. In Study III, we adopted a pre-post experimental design with children (N = 142) with an average age of approximately 10 years. Results revealed that, compared to a control condition, outgroup attitudes, stereotypes and feelings about peers with disability, and intentions to engage in contact with them, were more positive in a condition that combined imagined contact (behavioral approach) with an information intervention (cognitive approach), rather than when imagined contact or the information intervention were delivered separately. Effects were assessed two weeks after the intervention, and were consistent across types of disability (intellectual disability, hearing disability, psychological disability). In Study IV, children aged 5 to 11 years old (N = 215) were administered a 3-week imagined contact intervention, each week imagining making friendship with a child in wheelchair and defending him/her from bullies. Results revealed positive effects of the intervention (vs. control), assessed after one week, on contact and helping intentions, and intentions to react to exclusionary and name-calling behaviors. The effects were mediated by empathy and outgroup attitudes. In Study V, 6 to 9 years old (N = 56) schoolchildren engaged in a 3-week intervention. Each week, they were asked to imagine contact with a child with disability (type of disability varied across sessions: hearing, visual, physical). Results, assessed one week after the last intervention session, revealed positive effects of the experimental (vs. control) condition on intentions to help children with disability and outgroup attitudes. These effects were mediated by perceptions to belong to a common group. We also used a behavioral measure, asking participants to interact for 5 minutes with a child with disability in a room filmed by cameras, with a novel technology capturing tridimensional images. Results (indices obtained from external coders) revealed that children in the experimental condition remained closer than children in the control condition to the child with disability.

2021 - Promuovere i diritti degli stranieri con la collective action [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Pagliaro, Stefano; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Mckeown, Shelley; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Si è condotta una rassegna di studi del gruppo di ricerca, che mostrano come il contatto aumenti la collective action in gruppi di maggioranza e minoranza. Si sono inoltre discussi alcuni mediatori rilevanti dell'effetto.

2021 - Reducing prejudice in the society at large: A review of the secondary transfer effect, and directions for future research [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Stathi, Sofia; Capozza, Dora
abstract

The secondary transfer effect (STE) constitutes the generalization of the effects of intergroup contact from the outgroup one has contact with to uninvolved outgroups. In this article we provide a review of the research on the secondary transfer effect. After presenting evidence on the robustness of the phenomenon, we discuss relevant mediating processes, and outline a model that distinguishes them in three categories: mediators referring to the outgroup, mediators referring to the ingroup, mediators referring to the self. We then present moderators of the STE; and recent evidence of the STE from indirect contact and from negative contact. By relying on our distinction in three sets of mediators, we suggest directions for future research, largely pointing to the importance of integrating the STE with research on generalized prejudice, and of exploring contact as an agent of cognitive liberalization.

2021 - Resilience in children in the aftermath of disasters: A systematic review and a new perspective on individual, interpersonal, group, and intergroup level factors [Articolo su rivista]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Birtel, Michele; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Vezzali, Loris; Drury, John
abstract

Disasters can impact upon individuals, families, and communities in multiple ways. Research has mainly focused on risk and protective factors relating to the child (individual level) and the family (interpersonal level), not taking into account the processes at the level of social groups. The present review aims to (a) review psychological research on disasters determined by natural events in childhood, (b) distinguish individual, interpersonal, group, and intergroup levels, (c) emphasize the importance of considering resilience as a key outcome. We reviewed 294 studies (in addition to 28 reviews-meta-analyses, and 29 naturalistic interventions), and identified factors at the individual (e.g., demographics, exposure, individual differences), interpersonal (e.g., parent–child relationship, family and school environment), group (e.g., social identity, group membership), and intergroup (relations between different groups) levels. We argue that an integrated model of these factors and their interplay is needed to design interventions to enhance resilience in children and their communities. We extend previous theorizations by providing a wider conceptualization of distress and resilience, and by considering the interplay between factors at different levels. A multidimensional approach to the consequences of disasters in children is crucial to understand their development and well-being, and to design effective interventions. Please refer to the Supplementary Material section to find this article's Community and Social Impact Statement.

2021 - Ridurre il pregiudizio nell’era digitale [Capitolo/Saggio]
Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

Il capitolo propone una rassegna della strategia del contatto tra i gruppi, con particolare focus sugli effetti del contatto online.

2021 - Solidarity-based normative and non-normative collective action: The role of positive and negative intergroup contact, common ingroup identity and outgroup morality [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Stathi, Sofia; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

The study presented showed in a sample of Italians that contact effects on collective action are mediated by one-group perceptions and morality perceptions.

2021 - Sport: impegno e benessere vanno a braccetto! Relazione tra clima motivazionale, enjoyment sportivo e benessere in rugbisti di età compresa tra 10 e 15 anni [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bisagno, Elisa; Cadamuro, Alessia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris; Robazza, C; Vitali, Francesca
abstract

Sport: impegno e benessere vanno a braccetto! Relazione tra clima motivazionale, enjoyment sportivo e benessere in rugbisti di età compresa tra 10 e 15 anni

2021 - The role of relational dependence, forgiveness and hope on the intention to return with an abusive partner [Articolo su rivista]
Crapolicchio, E.; Regalia, C.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Cinquegrana, V.
abstract

The aim of this study was to examine psychological and relational variables such as dependence, forgiveness (both in their positive and negative dimensions), and hope that may explain why women reconciliate with abusive partners. We administered a questionnaire to women victims of violence. Relational dependence was indirectly associated with greater intentions to return to the violent partner via benevolent forgiveness and hope of a change in the partner. The positive dimension of forgiveness (benevolence) could represent a phase of the cycle of violence, during which the hope for change in the partner can increase the probability of reconciliation.

2021 - Vicarious intergroup contact as a weapon against interethnic bullying [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bisagno, Elisa; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Cadamuro, Alessia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Topputo, Sarah; Sitra, Natalia; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

We presented studies showing how to use vicarious contact to fight stigma-based bullying in primary schools

2020 - Correction: Truth and lies in your eyes: Pupil dilation of White participants in truthful and deceptive responses to White and Black partners (PLoS ONE (2020) 15:10 (e0239512) DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0239512) [Articolo su rivista]
Trifiletti, E.; D'Ascenzo, S.; Lugli, L.; Cocco, V. M.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Iani, C.; Rubichi, S.; Nicoletti, R.; Vezzali, L.
abstract

The second affiliation for the sixth author is incorrect. Cristina Iani is not affiliated with #5, but with #6: Centro Interdipartimentale di Neuroscienze e Neurotecnologie, Università di Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy

2020 - Do they want contact with us? The role of intergroup contact meta-perceptions on positive contact and attitudes [Articolo su rivista]
Stathi, Sofia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris; Pendleton, Samantha; Tropp, Linda
abstract

This research examined the role of contact meta-perceptions on positive intergroup contact and outgroup attitudes. Specifically, perceptions of the ingroup’s and outgroup’s desire for intergroup contact were simultaneously tested as predictors of intergroup contact and outgroup attitudes. Three correlational studies were conducted in three distinct contexts, international students’ view of British students, general public views of people with schizophrenia, and both Muslims’ and non-Muslims’ views of one another. Among these three intergroup relationships, the role of outgroup contact meta-perceptions was consistently highlighted as predictor of intergroup contact. In stark contrast, ingroup contact metaperceptions did not emerge as a significant predictor of contact. Intergroup contact then predicted outgroup attitudes (Studies 1, 2 and 3) and stereotyping (Studies 2 and 3) via reduced anxiety (Studies 2 and 3). The results demonstrate the importance of explicitly highlighting outgroups’ openness for intergroup interactions, and are discussed in the context of intergroup relations literature.

2020 - Does the out-group recognize our mental skills? Cross-group friendships, extended contact, and the expectation of humanizing perceptions from the out-group [Articolo su rivista]
Capozza, D.; Falvo, R.; Di Bernardo, G. A.
abstract

Recent research has shown the negative effect of meta-dehumanization: the perception that out-group members deny a fully human status to the in-group. So far, no strategies have been investigated that allow the improvement of humanity meta-attributions. In this work, we focused on the two mind perception dimensions: agency (e.g., the capacity of planning actions) and experience (e.g., the capacity of feeling emotions), and investigated whether direct and indirect intergroup friendships are associated with the expectation that the out-group will recognize our mental capacities. A survey was conducted considering the relationship between two regional groups in Italy (Northern and Southern Italians). Participants were Northern university students. A two-level mediation model was tested, in which the exogenous variables were cross-group friendship and extended contact, the first-level mediators were IOS (the inclusion of the out-group in the self mechanism), in-group and out-group norms, and the second-level mediators were anxiety, empathy, and trust toward the out-group. The dependent variables were the evaluations of agency and experience regarding one's group (Northerners) expected by Southerners. Models were estimated by path analysis with observed variables. To replicate prior findings, the attributions of agency and experience to the out-group (Southerners) were also assessed. Results showed that both direct and indirect friendships are related to more positive meta-attributions through the mediation of affective and cognitive factors. Findings have practical implications: contact may favor the expectation of being perceived both as moral agents and as moral patients, thus improving intergroup relations.

2020 - Don’t hurt my outgroup friend: A multifaceted form of imagined contact promotes intentions to counteract bullying [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Birtel, Michèle; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Stathi, Sofia; Crisp, Richard; Cadamuro, Alessia; Visintin, Emilio Paolo
abstract

A growing body of research has shown that imagined intergroup contact can improve outgroup attitudes. The aim of the present study was to examine the effectiveness of a multifaceted form of imagined contact in counteracting bullying in school children, and additionally to test the underlying processes of this effect. Two hundred and fifteen Italian elementary school children took part in a three-week intervention, where they were asked to imagine a scenario in which they become friends with an unknown disabled child, interact in various social settings, and react to forms of discrimination toward the newly acquired friend. After each session, they discussed collectively what they had imagined. The dependent measures were administered one week after the last session. Results revealed that inclusion of an outgroup member in the self mediated the effect of imagined contact on intentions to counteract social exclusion and bullying of disabled children, as well as helping intentions. Imagined contact also promoted greater willingness for outgroup contact via more positive outgroup attitudes and empathy. Our findings are important in delineating new forms of imagined contact, and understanding ways to promote behaviors that defend victims of social exclusion and bullying in school environments.

2020 - Intergroup fears and concerns among minority and majority groups: Implications for contact and attitudes [Articolo su rivista]
Stathi, S.; Pavetich, M.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Cadamuro, A.; Cocco, V. M.; Vezzali, L.
abstract

Aims: Driven by the literature on pluralistic ignorance, our research investigates fear of appearing racist, being rejected, discriminated, and disinterest in intergroup contact as antecedents of contact and outgroup attitudes, focusing on attributional differences between the majority and minority group perspectives. Methods: Questionnaires were distributed in schools in Northern Italy. Participants were 400 Italian and 141 immigrant high-school students. Results: The results showed that the lack of interest in contact was the strongest predictor of contact for the majority group. For the minority group, fear of rejection emerged as the strongest predictor. The majority group attributed the minority to avoid contact most strongly due to the fear that they would be rejected, and the minority group perceived it was due to the majority not being interested in contact. Conclusion: Our research contributes to understanding the divergent concerns the majority and minority groups have in relation to intergroup contact and discusses the importance of tackling these concerns.

2020 - La didattica a distanza come strumento per ridurre lo stress correlato al Covid-19 in bambini di scuola primaria [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bisagno, Elisa; Cadamuro, Alessia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Trifiletti, Elena; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

La didattica a distanza come strumento per ridurre lo stress correlato al Covid-19 in bambini di scuola primaria

2020 - La funzione riflessiva materna come fattore di protezione dallo stress correlato al Covid-19 in bambini di scuola primaria [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Bisagno, Elisa; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Trifiletti, Elena; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

La funzione riflessiva materna come fattore di protezione dallo stress correlato al Covid-19 in bambini di scuola primaria

2020 - Making the School Smart: The Interactive Whiteboard Against Disparities in Children Stemming From Low Metacognitive Skills [Articolo su rivista]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Bisagno, Elisa; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris; Versari, Annalisa
abstract

The demand for an increasingly differentiated education, which takes into account the individual differences of children to stimulate effective learning, accompanies the introduction of new technologies at school. Amongst these, the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB), which allows multimodality and sharing of contents, is one of the most widespread tools in schools. The aim of the study was to test with a sample of primary school children the impact of a teaching session with the use of the IWB (vs. traditional lessons) on knowledge performance. In addition, we were interested in investigating the role of metacognition as a potential moderator on learning effects. Our results revealed an advantage of IWB use in learning achievement. Notably, the increase in learning outcomes only occurred among children with low metacognitive skills. This shows that new technologies can play an important role both per se and in supporting learning processes, especially of less metacognitive students, therefore contributing to reduce the gap between children with differential metacognitive skills. The results are analyzed in light of the important role in the nowadays world of Information and Communication Technologies, which can become an extremely relevant and appealing educational and cultural compensation tool.

2020 - Neonatal male circumcision is associated with altered adult socio-affective processing [Articolo su rivista]
Miani, A.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Hojgaard, A. D.; Earp, B. D.; Zak, P. J.; Landau, A. M.; Hoppe, J.; Winterdahl, M.
abstract

Background: Neonatal male circumcision is a painful skin-breaking procedure that may affect infant physiological and behavioral stress responses as well as mother-infant interaction. Due to the plasticity of the developing nociceptive system, neonatal pain might carry long-term consequences on adult behavior. In this study, we examined whether infant male circumcision is associated with long-term psychological effects on adult socio-affective processing. Methods: We recruited 408 men circumcised within the first month of life and 211 non-circumcised men and measured socio-affective behaviors and stress via a battery of validated psychometric scales. Results: Early-circumcised men reported lower attachment security and lower emotional stability while no differences in empathy or trust were found. Early circumcision was also associated with stronger sexual drive and less restricted socio-sexuality along with higher perceived stress and sensation seeking. Limitations: This is a cross-sectional study relying on self-reported measures from a US population. Conclusions: Our findings resonate with the existing literature suggesting links between altered emotional processing in circumcised men and neonatal stress. Consistent with longitudinal studies on infant attachment, early circumcision might have an impact on adult socio-affective traits or behavior.

2020 - Outgroup morality perceptions mediate secondary transfer effects from direct and extended contact: Evidence from majority and minority group members [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Birtel, Michèle D.; Stathi, Sofia; Brambilla, Marco
abstract

The secondary transfer effect (STE), defined as contact with a primary outgroup improving attitudes towards a secondary outgroup uninvolved in contact, has mainly been studied with reference to direct contact and considering attitude generalization as the main mediating mechanism. Using a majority (422 Italians) and minority (130 immigrants) adolescent sample from high schools in Italy, we examined outgroup morality perceptions as a new mediating mechanism, and tested for the first time whether the STE emerges for extended contact. Results revealed that the STE emerged for direct contact among the majority group and for extended contact among the minority group, and it was sequentially mediated by perceptions of morality towards the primary outgroup, and by attitudes towards the primary outgroup and perceptions of morality towards the secondary outgroup. The STE also emerged for direct contact among the minority group, with morality perceptions towards the secondary outgroup and attitudes towards the primary outgroup being parallel mediators. We discuss the theoretical implications of the findings, arguing that it is important to identify the conditions and underlying processes of the STE in order to reduce prejudice in the case of both majority and minority groups.

2020 - Personality traits and oral device: A new challenge to increase compliance with MAD therapy for OSAS and snoring [Articolo su rivista]
Mezzofranco, L.; Gracco, A. L. T.; Milano, F.; Di-Bernardo, G. A.; Vezzali, L.; Giovannini, D.
abstract

Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) is a respiratory syndrome and oral devices can be used for its treatment. This study aimed to evaluate the opinions of a generic subject about being treated by a dentist for a general health problem and the association between personality traits and the predisposition to use a MAD for the treatment of OSAS and snorting. One hundred and forty-eight participants were enrolled in the study and were asked to fill in the questionnaires. Personality traits were evaluated using NFC (Need for Closure), PER (openness to new experiences), STAI-Trait and STAI-Stat questionnaires (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory). The propensity to be treated with dental devices for a general health problem such as OSAS and snoring was evaluated with a specific questionnaire. Eight out of ten participants would accept to use dental device to be kept at night for the solution of a health problem or the treatment of a disease that does not affect the teeth. A positive opinion on device used to treat OSAS was associated with higher PER and lower Mad-related distress, while the opinion of usefulness of the device was positively associated with higher PER and STAI-Trait. A positive opinion about treatment of snorting and OSAS using dental devices was associated with higher PER, while lower STAI-Trait was associated with positive opinion on treatment of snorting using dental-devices. The results suggest that some personality traits are associated with the propensity to use MAD to treat a general pathology as OSAS.

2020 - Spontaneous imagined contact and intergroup relations: Quality matters [Articolo su rivista]
Stathi, Sofia; Guerra, Rita; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

While research on experimental interventions that aim to improve outgroup attitudes via contact imagery grows, it is important to examine if contact imagery that occurs in spontaneous, non‐experimentally controlled conditions drives attitudes, and in what direction. To answer this, we constructed and validated a spontaneous imagined intergroup contact scale (SIICS) that differentiates between frequency, quality and elaboration of the spontaneous imagery of outgroups. In three correlational studies (NPortugal = 305, NUnited Kingdom = 185, NItaly = 276), we tested the role of spontaneous imagined contact frequency, quality and elaboration in predicting attitudes and social distance (Studies 1–3) and intended behaviour (Study 3) toward immigrant groups. Results demonstrated that spontaneous imagined contact quality consistently predicted key outcome variables above and beyond the other two dimensions. Importantly, the effects were significant while controlling for other potent forms of direct and indirect contact. Implications of the findings for theory and practice are discussed.

2020 - Support for rejection and reception policies toward asylum seekers in Italy: The role of conservative ideologies and legitimizing myths [Articolo su rivista]
Mancini, Tiziana; Caricati, Luca; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Based on Social Dominance Theory (SDT), this study investigates the relationships between ideologically conservative attitudes (social dominance orientation, SDO; right-wing authoritarianism, RWA), legitimizing myths (false belief in asylum seekers as bogus; perception of in-group threats), and citizens’ support for restricted reception and rejection of asylum policies. A sample of 539 people living in Italy filled in an anonymous questionnaire administered using a cross-sectional design. The results support the expectations, showing that people high in SDO and RWA were more likely to hold the belief that asylum seekers are making false claims and to perceive that the latter pose a threat to the in-group, which in turn increased support for both of restrictive policies. Findings suggest that conservative ideologies can positively affect citizens’ support for restrictive asylum seeker policies based on both rejection and restricted reception by supplying ideological justification for not accommodating them in the host society.

2020 - Truth and lies in your eyes: Pupil dilation of White participants in truthful and deceptive responses to White and Black partners [Articolo su rivista]
Trifiletti, Elena; D'Ascenzo, Stefania; Lugli, Luisa; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Iani, Cristina; Rubichi, Sandro; Nicoletti, Roberto; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

In the present study, we examined the pupillary response of White participants who were asked to tell the truth or lie to White or Black partners. Research on cues to deception has assumed that lying is more cognitively demanding that truth telling. In line with this assumption, previous studies have shown that lying is associated with greater pupil dilation, a behavioral cue that typically manifests itself under conditions of stress or cognitive effort. In accordance with these results, we predicted greater pupil dilation when lying than when telling the truth. Furthermore, pupil dilation was expected to be greater when responding to White than Black partners. Finally, we hypothesized that pupil dilation would be greater when lying to White than Black partners. Participants were instructed to answer a set of questions, half truthfully and half deceptively. They were led to believe that White vs. Black partners (one male and one female) would ask the questions via computer connection. Indeed, we used feminine and masculine synthetic voices. Pupil dilation was assessed with a remote eye-tracking system. Results provided support for the first two hypotheses. However, the predicted interaction between race of partners and truth status of message (lying vs. telling the truth) was nonsignificant. Our findings highlight the importance of considering race in the study of truthful and deceptive communications.

2020 - Workers' self-objectification and tendencies to conform to others [Articolo su rivista]
Baldissarri, C.; Andrighetto, L.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Annoni, A.
abstract

Recent research showed that workers' self-objectification—their self-perception as objects rather than human beings—leads to detrimental intrapersonal consequences. In the present research, we explored whether this phenomenon may also affect interpersonal relations, by increasing workers' tendencies to conform. In a correlational study, Italian workers who perceived their work as more objectifying self-objectified more—self-attributed less human mental states and self-perceive as more instrument-like than human-like—and, in turn, were more inclined to conform with others. The second study experimentally confirmed this pattern, showing that British workers who recalled an objectifying (vs. a non-objectifying) work experience self-objectified more. Self-perception as instrument-like was associated, in turn, with an increased tendency to adapt to others' opinions. The implications for organizational and social psychology are discussed.

2019 - A longitudinal test of the bidirectional relationships between intergroup contact, prejudice, dispositional empathy, and social dominance orientation [Articolo su rivista]
Trifiletti, Elena; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Pecini, Chiara; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cadamuro, Alessia; Vezzali, Loris; Turner, Rhiannon N.
abstract

We conducted a longitudinal study to test the bidirectional relationships between intergroup contact, prejudice, and a range of individual difference variables relevant to intergroup relations such as social dominance orientation (SDO) and dispositional empathy (empathic concern, perspective-taking). Participants were Italian high-school students, who completed a questionnaire at two time points separated by an interval of approximately seven months, focusing on immigrants as the outgroup. Results provide support for the importance of contact in reducing prejudice and changing personality. In particular, contact (i.e., cross-group friendships) was longitudinally associated with less SDO (although the effect was marginal) and more positive behavioral intentions. In addition, SDO revealed negative effects over time, on dispositional empathy and behavioral intentions. Mixed findings emerged for dispositional empathy, with positive effects for perspective-taking (negative association with SDO), and negative effects for empathic concern (negative association with contact, and positive associations with SDO and avoidance behavioral tendencies). Results are discussed in terms of importance of an approach that takes into account both situational and personality variables, and of the need to conduct studies that simultaneously consider a wide range of variables relevant to prejudice.

2019 - Combattere il bullismo interetnico con il contatto vicario [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Bisagno, Elisa; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Introduzione Il bullismo interetnico rappresenta una piaga rilevante del mondo della scuola attuale. Per affrontare questo tema, è importante riferirsi alla letteratura sulle relazioni intergruppi oltre che a quella sul bullismo. In questo studio, ci siamo focalizzati sul contatto indiretto, e specificamente sul contatto vicario, come un modo efficace di affrontare il tema in bambini di scuola primaria, sulla base delle ampie evidenze che mostrano come avere un amico dell’ingroup che ha amici nell’outgroup sia sufficiente per ridurre il pregiudizio. Metodo Hanno preso parte allo studio 117 bambini italiani (59 maschi, 50 femmine) dalle classi prima, seconda e terza di scuola primaria (età media = 7.58 anni). Si sono create tre fiabe ad hoc, strutturate in modo che il/la protagonista fosse una persone straniera proveniente da un Paese lontano, discriminata, emarginata e trattata sistematicamente male a causa della sua diversità. Le storie avevano una struttura comune: presentazione del/la protagonista che proveniva da un Paese lontano, solitudine nel Paese di arrivo, percezione di diversità del/la protagonista da parte dei locali, azioni negative nei suoi confronti motivate dalla diversità, realizzazione delle ingiustizie perpetrate, riconciliazione. Le fiabe, accompagnate da attività miranti a riconoscere l’appropriatezza o meno del comportamento verso il/la protagonista e ad identificare le proprie reazioni emotive, sono state realizzate in tre incontri della durata di un’ora ciascuno, nelle quali i bambini ascoltavano la storia letta dagli sperimentatori, svolgevano le attività e discutevano in piccolo gruppo. Una settimana circa dopo il termine dell’intervento, si somministrava un questionario. Vi era anche un gruppo di controllo, in cui ai bambini era semplicemente chiesto di compilare il questionario. Risultati I risultati hanno evidenziato un effetto della condizione sperimentale su misure di empatia e di norme sociali contrarie al bullismo. Sebbene non si siano ottenuti effetti diretti su una misura di reazione a una situazione di bullismo, si è rilevato un effetto indiretto, mediato dall’empatia. Conclusioni Il tema del bullismo interetnico va affrontato sin da piccoli. In questo studio si è dimostrato che storie ad hoc, pensate per bambini delle prime classi di scuola primarie, è efficace per promuovere reazioni contrarie ai bulli e alle loro azioni vessatorie nei confronti di bambini stranieri.

2019 - Effetti dell’orientamento alla dominanza sociale sulla capacità di attribuire stati mentali all’outgroup. Una ricerca nella scuola primaria [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Bisagno, Elisa; Cadamuro, Alessia; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Pecini, Chiara; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

L’orientamento alla dominanza sociale è presente già in età evolutiva, e si associa ad una minor tendenza ad attribuire tratti di umanità ai membri dell’outgroup, con conseguente minor predisposizione a comprendere gli stati mentali degli stessi. Da un punto di vista applicativo, risulta dunque fondamentale favorire strategie educative mirate a stimolare l’uguaglianza sociale.

2019 - Flipped Classroom e didattica tradizionale. Uno studio in una scuola primaria. [Articolo su rivista]
Lazzaretti, Letizia; Cadamuro, Alessia; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Pecini, Chiara
abstract

La ricerca ha coinvolto 41 alunni di quarta primaria tra nove e dieci anni. Il gruppo sperimentale (11 M, 10 F) ha studiato storia tramite la Flipped Classroom (fc), quello di controllo (8 M, 12 F) ha seguito l’approccio tradizionale. Gli obiettivi erano: valutare l’effetto della fc sull’apprendimento e la sua relazione con metacognizione e creatività. Gli strumenti utilizzati sono stati: la versione in italiano del Children’s Perceived use of Self-Regulated Learning Inventory, un questionario sulla metacognizione degli alunni percepita dagli insegnanti, il test di creatività Unusual Uses Test e una verifica sulle conoscenze. Dai risultati emerge che la relazione tra fc e apprendimento è moderata dalla metacognizione. La fc è risultata efficace nel migliorare l’apprendimento soprattutto per gli alunni con bassa metacognizione. Dunque, sembra che chi ha scarsa metacognizione riesca a sopperire alle sue carenze grazie alla fc.

2019 - Flipped classroom e insegnamento tradizionale a confronto: una ricerca nella scuola primaria [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Lazzaretti, Letizia; Bisagno, Elisa; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Il modello Flipped Classroom, attraverso la costruzione di contesti educativi plurimi, permette l’individualizzazione e la personalizzazione dell’apprendimento (Baldacci, 2002). La flessibilità di tempi e spazi e la collegialità dello studio offrono un maggior coinvolgimento dell’alunno e maggior responsabilità nel costruire la conoscenza (Cecchinato & Papa, 2016). Nonostante ciò, questa metodologia è poco diffusa e indagata nella scuola primaria (Aidinopoulou & Sampson, 2017). Il presente lavoro intende dunque esplorare questo modello nella scuola primaria italiana. Lo studio ha coinvolto due classi quarte: il gruppo sperimentale ha studiato storia in modalità Flipped, mentre il gruppo di controllo ha seguito l’approccio tradizionale. L’obiettivo era indagare l’effetto della Flipped Classroom sull’apprendimento e valutare il coinvolgimento di variabili trasversali, come metacognizione e creatività, in un simile contesto. Sono stati somministrati: un questionario sulla metacognizione auto-percepita (Vandevelde, Van Keer & Rosseel, 2013) e uno sulla metacognizione etero-percepita (Carr & Kurtz, 1991), un test di creatività (Guilford, 1967) e una prova di conoscenza. I risultati hanno mostrato un effetto mediato (dagli stili metacognitivi) e moderato (dal genere) della condizione sull’apprendimento. La metacognizione risulta pertanto fondamentale per un buon apprendimento (Cornoldi, 1995) anche in un contesto di Flipped Classroom. Per quanto riguarda la creatività, non sono emersi effetti significativi.

2019 - Hidden in plain sight: Ho negative meta-stereotypes affect an invisible minority [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Trifiletti, Elena; Vezzali, Loris; Oselini, Sara; Shamloo, Soraya Elizabeth; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

People with learning disorders are seldom the subject of research in social psychology. Moreover, their minority status is not clearly visible as it is for other groups, such as people with physical disability or some ethnic groups. Indeed, usually what is noticed are the consequences of the disorder (i.e., poor school performance), more than the disorder itself. A few studies have focused on the stereotypes towards this group and even less is known about how negative meta-stereotypes affect people with learning disorders. The present study is a first attempt to fill this gap. We recruited 63 university students with a specific learning disability certificate and asked them to fill in a questionnaire including measures of positive and negative meta-stereotypes, recall of discrimination, social anxiety, and self-esteem. Regression models showed that recall of discrimination and social anxiety mediated the effects of negative (but not of positive) meta-stereotypes. Implications of results will be discussed.

2019 - Imagining contact reduces prejudice in preschool children [Articolo su rivista]
Birtel, Michèle D.; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Stathi, Sofia; Crisp, Richard J.; Cadamuro, Alessia; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

We examined the effectiveness of an imagery‐based strategy designed to reduce prejudice in preschoolers in Italy. Three studies involving different target groups (disabled children, Black children) were conducted within Italian preschools. Children (4–6 years) were asked to imagine and draw meeting an outgroup member (Studies 1 and 2) or to imagine writing a letter to an outgroup member (Study 3). Results revealed that preschoolers in the experimental condition, relative to a control group, reported less intergroup bias in the form of contact intentions and resource allocation as well as greater behavioral inclusiveness; effects were mediated by improved intergroup attitudes. Our findings are important in understanding ways that promote positive intergroup relations in ways that align with the interests of young children.

2019 - Psychiatric Phenocopy Syndrome of Behavioral Frontotemporal Dementia: Behavioral and Cognitive Fingerprint [Articolo su rivista]
Busse, C.; Pettenuzzo, I.; Pompanin, S.; Roiter, B.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Zorzi, G.; Fragiacomo, F.; Gazzola, G.; Cecchin, D.; Pigato, G.; Cagnin, A.
abstract

Behavioral and cognitive variables predicting behavioral frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) versus primary psychiatric disorders mimicking bvFTD (phenocopy syndrome: bvFTD-PS) were studied. Forty-one probable/definite bvFTD and 16 bvFTD-PS patients were evaluated with cognitive battery, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, and Stereotypic and Ritualistic Behavior-revised questionnaires. Twenty-seven healthy subjects served as control. Severity of cognitive impairment/behavioral symptoms and profile of cognitive deficits were similar, with bvFTD-PS showing impaired executive abilities and memory. However, phonemic fluency was impaired only in bvFTD (p<0.001). Depression was worse in bvFTD-PS, while apathy, disinhibition, and dietary changes characterized bvFTD. Phonemic fluency and depression accounted for the best predictive diagnostic model. A structured psychiatric screening of bvFTD mimickers may often yield a psychiatric diagnosis with predominant depressive symptoms and therefore a potentially treatable condition.

2019 - Reducing prejudice and addressing inequalities with intergroup contact [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Vezzali, Loris; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Stathi, Sofia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; McKeown Jones, Shelley; Dixon, John
abstract

Recent research on intergroup contact has shown that contact, instead of promoting greater intergroup equality, may in some conditions have unintended effects on social change and collective action intentions, both among disadvantaged and advantaged group members (in the latter case results are more mixed). This is not surprising, since positive contact undermines the very conditions identified by collective action research in order to foster greater desire to engage in actions challenging inequalities. We present two correlational studies aimed at testing whether contact can promote at the same time reduced prejudice and stronger intentions to engage in collective action by considering the relationship between advantaged (Italians) and disadvantaged (immigrants) members. In particular, we provide an integration between the basic tenets of social identity theory with respect to social change and intergroup contact research. In the first study, participants were advantaged members (Italian university students); in the second study, conducted with high-school students, participants belonged both to the advantaged (Italians) and disadvantaged (immigrants) group. Results from the first study reveal that contact is associated with greater social change motivation when it is more focused on differences than on commonalities. In the second study we found that contact is associated with greater motivation for social change both among advantaged and disadvantaged members, and that legitimization of status differences acts as a key mediator. Moreover, some of these effects, among advantaged members, were only significant when membership salience was high. Theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed.

2019 - The implicit measurement of sexual objectification in heterosexual couples: An exploratory study on the effects of partner objectification on self-esteem and life satisfaction [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Pecini, Chiara; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Sexual objectification is one of the most common signs of discrimination against women in Western societies; however, only a few studies have examined objectification within romantic relationships. The Objectification Theory predicts that repeated experiences of objectification lead women to experience negative psychological consequences. In this study, we aimed to verify if this process could also be found in close romantic relationships and if the experiences of a partner’s objectification could negatively affect the satisfaction with life of both partners. The study involved 66 heterosexual couples, between the ages of 18 and 55. Men were asked to complete an implicit measure of sexual objectification towards the partner while women were provided with an implicit measure of self-objectification. The results revealed a negative effect of sexual objectification towards the partner, mediated by women’s self-esteem, on partners’ life satisfaction. Higher levels of sexual objectification were associated with lower levels of self-esteem in women and this, in turn, was associated with a greater discrepancy between women and men life satisfaction. Furthermore, inclusion of the other in the self worked as a moderator: women’s self-esteem at a higher level of inclusion of the partner in the self were associated with lesser discrepancies in the satisfaction with life of the partners. In literature, the reasons for the negative effects caused by objectification within romantic relationships are still unclear. This study provides firsts evidence of the central role played by self-esteem.

2019 - The mediating role of the relationship with the supervisor on the association between gender discrimination and sexual harassment on work satisfaction [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Manzi, Claudia; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Regalia, Camillo; Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Reverberi, Eleonora
abstract

Women that perceive higher levels of discrimination and sexual harassment report lower relationship quality with their line manager that, in turn, impacts satisfaction and organizational engagement: the relationship with the line manager therefore explains the association between discrimination, harassment and professional outcomes. Gender moderates the association between discrimination and relationship quality with line managers, as for women, perception of discrimination has a stronger impact on relationship quality.

2019 - Using intercultural videos of direct contact to implement vicarious contact: A school-based intervention that improves intergroup attitudes [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Stathi, Sofia; Visintin, Emilio Paolo; Hewstone, Miles
abstract

We aimed to create an engaging and dynamic intervention for schools that uses videos of direct school peer contact to implement a vicarious contact intervention. Participants were ethnic majority (Italian) and minority (immigrant) high-school students (N = 485, age ranging from 14 to 22 years old, mean age = 17.24 years), who were asked to watch and evaluate videos created by peers from their school for a competition for the best video on intercultural friendships. Results revealed that vicarious contact, relative to a control condition where participants were not shown any videos, improved outgroup attitudes, reduced negative outgroup stereotypes, and increased willingness to engage in contact with the outgroup. These effects only emerged when intercultural friendships in the videos were salient. Inclusion of the other in the self, but neither intergroup anxiety nor fear of rejection by the outgroup, significantly mediated the effect of the videos on outcomes. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of the findings.

2019 - Vicarious intergroup contact and interethnic bullying [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Pecini, Chiara; Bisagno, Elisa; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cadamuro, Alessia; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Interethnic bullying represents an emerging phenomenon that can have serious consequences on students. In this study we focused on vicarious intergroup contact, as an indirect contact form that can be used to fight it, providing a positive social environment where all individuals can be accepted. To operationalize vicarious contact, we created three fairy tales, structured so that the main character was a foreigner that was systematically discriminated and emarginated only because of his/her foreigner origin and diversity. The study was conducted with 117 elementary school children from first to third grade. They were read the fairy tales in three encounters, where they also took part to activities aimed to identify the rightness or not of the behavior read and the emotions felt as a consequence of the stories. Results from the administration of a questionnaire revealed that, compared to a control condition where children did not engage in any activity, the intervention elicited greater empathy toward the victim and social norms against bullying. In addition, empathy mediated the effects of the intervention on greater intentions to face interethnic bullying.

2018 - 22 maggio 2018. Incontro all’Università con gli studenti dell’Ipsia Lombardini che hanno preso parte alla ricerca relativa alla lettura della saga degli Hunger Games. [Altro]
Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

22 maggio 2018. Incontro all’Università con gli studenti dell’Ipsia Lombardini che hanno preso parte alla ricerca relativa alla lettura della saga degli Hunger Games.

2018 - Change context to change intolerance? Social diversity and intergroup contact in majority and minority school children [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Birtel, Michele D.; Wölfer, Ralf; Hewstone, Miles; Vezzali, Loris; Stathi, Sofia; Crisp, Richard J.; Cadamuro, Alessia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

We presented a series of studies aimed at fostering intergroup tolerance in educational contexts based on the theoretical framework provided by the contact hypothesis.

2018 - Comportamento non verbale intergruppi “oggettivo”: una replica dello studio di Dovidio, kawakami e Gaertner (2002) [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Vezzali, Loris; Giovannini, Dino; Palazzi, Andrea; Calderara, Simone; Bicocchi, Nicola; Zambonelli, Franco; Cucchiara, Rita; Cadamuro, Alessia; Cocco, Veronica Margherita
abstract

Vi è una lunga tradizione di ricerca che ha analizzato il comportamento non verbale, anche considerando relazioni intergruppi. Solitamente, questi studi si avvalgono di valutazioni di coder esterni, che tuttavia sono soggettive e aperte a distorsioni. Abbiamo condotto uno studio in cui si è preso come riferimento il celebre studio di Dovidio, Kawakami e Gaertner (2002), apportando tuttavia alcune modifiche e considerando la relazione tra bianchi e neri. Partecipanti bianchi, dopo aver completato misure di pregiudizio esplicito e implicito, incontravano (in ordine contro-bilanciato) un collaboratore bianco e uno nero. Con ognuno di essi, parlavano per tre minuti di un argomento neutro e di un argomento saliente per la distinzione di gruppo (in ordine contro-bilanciato). Tali interazioni erano registrate con una telecamera kinect, che è in grado di tenere conto della componente tridimensionale del movimento. I risultati hanno rivelato vari elementi di interesse. Anzitutto, si sono creati indici oggettivi, a partire da un’analisi della letteratura, alcuni dei quali non possono essere rilevati da coder esterni, quali distanza interpersonale e volume di spazio tra le persone. I risultati hanno messo in luce alcuni aspetti rilevanti: (1) l’atteggiamento implicito è associato a vari indici di comportamento non verbale, i quali mediano sulle valutazioni dei partecipanti fornite dai collaboratori; (2) le interazioni vanno considerate in maniera dinamica, tenendo conto che si sviluppano nel tempo; (3) ciò che può essere importante è il comportamento non verbale globale, piuttosto che alcuni indici specifici pre-determinati dagli sperimentatori.

2018 - Intervento dal titolo La scuola può educare alla non violenza? Progetti di prevenzione dei fenomeni violenti, presentato al VI Convegno nazionale promosso a Reggio Emilia dall’Istituto di Psicologia Individuale “Alfred Adler” in collaborazione con la Scuola Adleriana di Psicoterapia, rivolto alla cittadinanza [Altro]
Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

Intervento dal titolo La scuola può educare alla non violenza? Progetti di prevenzione dei fenomeni violenti, presentato al VI Convegno nazionale promosso a Reggio Emilia dall’Istituto di Psicologia Individuale “Alfred Adler” in collaborazione con la Scuola Adleriana di Psicoterapia, rivolto alla cittadinanza

2018 - Out-group threats and distress as antecedents of common in-group identity among majority and minority group members in the aftermath of a natural disaster [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Versari, Annalisa; Cadamuro, Alessia; Trifiletti, Elena; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO
abstract

The aim of the present study was to examine the role of out-group threats in fostering one-group perceptions directly and indirectly via post-traumatic stress symptoms in the aftermath of a natural disaster.We also tested whether these relationships differ depending on the ethnic group of belonging (majority vs. minority). Participants were 589 Italians and 122 immigrants from a region strongly affected by the earthquakes that struck Northern Italy in 2012. Results revealed that among Italians threat stemming from negative out-group behaviour was associated positively with post-traumatic stress symptoms and negatively with perceptions of being a common group with immigrant survivors. Among immigrants, threat posed by the out-group for economic resources was positively associated with post-traumatic stress symptoms and, indirectly, with higher one-group perceptions.

2018 - Può l’attivazione dell’attaccamento sicuro favorire l’umanizzazione di outgroup stigmatizzati? [Poster]
Falvo, Rossella; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Boin, Jessica; Capozza, Dora
abstract

L’infraumanizzazione – il fatto di assegnare all’outgroup uno status umano inferiore rispetto all’ingroup (Leyens, Demoulin, Vaes, Gaunt, & Paladino, 2007) – e la deumanizzazione – l’assimilazione dell’outgroup ad animali o enti inanimati (Haslam, 2006) – sono fenomeni ampiamente diffusi e coinvolgono vari gruppi e contesti sociali (Haslam & Loughnan, 2014). Infraumanizzazione e deumanizzazione deteriorano le relazioni intergruppi: favoriscono azioni aggressive verso l’outgroup e consentono di giustificarle (Viki, Osgood, & Phillips, 2013), frenano i comportamenti di aiuto (Cuddy, Rock, & Norton, 2007), sono usate per legittimare azioni negative commesse nel passato dall’ingroup (Castano & Giner-Sorolla, 2006). I ricercatori hanno analizzato quali tattiche sociali possano ridurre le inclinazioni deumanizzanti. La strategia più studiata è stata il contatto positivo con i membri del gruppo estraneo (Capozza, Falvo, Di Bernardo, Vezzali, & Visintin, 2014). Le amicizie intergruppi, ad esempio, – dirette o estese – promuovono la percezione dell’outgroup come caratterizzato dai tratti distintivi dell’umanità. In questo lavoro facciamo riferimento alla teoria dell’attaccamento (Bowlby, 1969/1982); ipotizziamo cioè che l’umanizzazione del gruppo estraneo possa essere favorita dal fatto di rendere accessibili persone o interazioni che nel passato hanno fornito protezione e sostegno (priming di sicurezza). La ricerca ha infatti dimostrato come il ricordo di tali persone o interazioni aumenti la compassione e l’altruismo (Mikulincer, Shaver, Gillath, & Nitzberg, 2005), accentui l’universalismo (preoccupazione per il bene dell’umanità; Mikulincer et al., 2003), riduca l’ansia (Mikulincer, Shaver, & Horesh, 2006), tutti fattori che dovrebbero indurre il riconoscimento di maggiore umanità. Per verificare la relazione ipotizzata tra priming di sicurezza e umanizzazione dell’outgroup, abbiamo condotto due studi. Nel primo, l’outgroup era rappresentato dai senzatetto, nel secondo dai Rom.

2018 - Ridurre il pregiudizio etnico in età prescolare: gli effetti di un intervento di contatto immaginato [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cocco, Veronica Maria; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

Si sono condotti due studi che dimostrano come il contatto immaginato sia efficace per ridurre il pregiudizio in bambini di scuola dell'infanzia.

2018 - Secondary Transfer Effect among Children: The Role of Social Dominance Orientation and Outgroup Attitudes [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Stathi, Sofia; Cadamuro, Alessia; Lášticová, Barbara; Andraščiková, Simona
abstract

Research has provided evidence that the effects of intergroup contact on prejudice reduction are not limited to the outgroup one has contact with (primary outgroup). Rather, they extend to secondary outgroups uninvolved in the contact situation (secondary transfer effect; Pettigrew, 2009). We aimed to provide the first empirical evidence for the emergence of the secondary transfer effect among children. Majority (Italian) and minority (with an immigrant background) elementary school children were administered a questionnaire including measures of contact with the primary outgroup (minority children for the majority, majority children for the minority), prejudice toward the primary outgroup and toward a dissimilar secondary outgroup (disabled children), and social dominance orientation. Results revealed that among the majority group, contact with the primary outgroup had indirect associations with reduced prejudice toward the secondary outgroup. Specifically, we found evidence for sequential mediation by social dominance orientation and prejudice toward the primary outgroup. No secondary transfer effects emerged among minority group members. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of the findings, arguing for the importance of identifying the core processes driving the secondary transfer effect.

2018 - Testing Hippocampal Memory in Prodromal Dementia with Lewy Bodies [Articolo su rivista]
Busse, C.; Caffarra, P.; Rossi, A.; Zorzi, G.; Fragiacomo, F.; Camporese, G.; Pompanin, S.; Di Bernardo, G. A.; Cagnin, A.
abstract

The Free and Cued Selective Reminding test (FCSRT) was used to assess memory in 19 patients with prodromal dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and 25 Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. DLB scored better than AD in selective measures of the FCSRT: immediate total recall (p = 0.01) and index of sensitivity of cueing (p = 0.001), while free delayed and total memory scores were similarly impaired. The index of sensitivity of cueing held a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 79% in distinguishing DLB. FCSRT could help in disentangling hippocampal memory deficits from memory impairment due to ineffective recall strategies.

2018 - The influence of vicarious interracial relations on cognitive control in Italian undergraduate students [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Boni, CLAUDIA DARIA; Iani, Cristina; Di bernardo, Gian Antonio; Rubichi, Sandro; Vezzali, Loris
abstract

This study examined the influence of vicarious interracial interactions on cognitive control functioning of Italian white undergraduate students. Sixty students performed the Stroop task watching a video showing an interracial interaction. For half of the participants the video showed a white student being excluded by two black students (exclusion condition), while for the other half the video showed a white student that was accepted in a dyad of two black students (inclusion condition). Prior to viewing the video, participants ́ racial attitudes regarding Whites and Blacks were measured by means of the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and of structured questionnaires. Cognitive control functioning was measured by assessing Stroop interference and trial-by- trial conflict adaptations. Results showed that, despite the overall low levels of implicit and explicit racial prejudice, trial-by-trial conflict adaptations differed between the two groups, with the group in the exclusion condition showing less efficient adaptations to conflict. This result is consistent with a resource model of executive control and with the results of recent studies showing that interracial interactions, especially negative ones, deplete executive control.

2018 - The role of gratitude in promoting positive intergroup relationships [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Regalia, Camillo; Manzi, Claudia; Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Turner, Rhiannon; Noor, Masi
abstract

In recent years a very large body of evidence has emerged suggesting that gratitude is a social emotion strongly related to all aspects of personal and interpersonal well- being. Gratitude is elicited by kind acts toward the self made intentionally by a benefactor, motivating the self to reciprocate in kind. Gratitude also motivates the person to do good to others in general, not just to the benefactor. The adaptive function of gratitude therefore appears to be to strengthen social relationships Despite the recent proliferation of research on gratitude, a basic question that has yet to be addressed by the literature regards how gratitude might influence the intergroup relationships. The present study aimed at analyzing how gratitude is likely to affect attitudes and behavior intentions towards members of an outgroup. The general hypothesis was that intergroup gratitude, i,e the gratitude people belonging to a group feel toward members of an outgroup, should enhance positive intergroup attitudes and the behaviors. In detail, it has been tested a model where intergroup gratitude has been posited as a mediator between the quantity and quality of contact with a target outgroup and positive attitudes and helping intentions toward members of the outgroup. Participants were 427 adolescents attending a high school in middle sized city of North Italy (Mean age= 14.4). The sample comprised adolescents from Italian (N=329) and migrant (N=108) families. All participants completed a questionnaire measuring the variables of interest. The model, analyzed via structural equation modelling, provided a very good fit to the data both for Italian and Immigrant adolescents, showing that the quality and not the quantity of contact affected attitudes and helping behavior towards members of outgroup both directly, and through the influence of intergroup gratitude. The more adolescents experience positive experience of contact with outgroup members, the more they are likely to feel gratitude towards the outgroup and this, in turn, is likely to affect prosocial attitudes and behavior intentions towards the outgroup. Implications and future research perspectives will be discussed.

2018 - The work-related basic need satisfaction scale: An Italian validation [Articolo su rivista]
Colledani, D.; Capozza, D.; Falvo, R.; Di Bernardo, G. A.
abstract

The main goal of the present study was to validate the Work-related Basic Need Satisfaction (W-BNS) scale in the Italian social context. Three studies were carried out. Study 1 was conducted on two samples of employees. Exploratory factor analysis and parallel analysis were run on the first sample, whereas confirmatory factor analyses were run on the second. Results supported the three-dimensional structure of the W-BNS scale. Study 2 was conducted on a third sample of employees. Results supported the construct validity of the scale, by showing that needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness were associated with job resources (social support, job autonomy, professional growth), low burnout, and job attitudes (job satisfaction, turnover intentions, commitment). In addition, results showed that responses to the scale were not affected by social desirability bias. Study 3 was conducted to evaluate the nomological validity of the scale (the sample grouped together all respondents from Studies 1 and 2). A model was tested in which organizational commitment mediated the relationship between basic needs and two outcomes (job satisfaction, intentions to leave). Organizational commitment was measured by using the Klein et al. Unidimensional Target-free scale (the KUT). Results supported the nomological validity of the scale. In line with our expectations, the three needs were associated with the KUT, which in turn mediated the effects of needs on the outcomes. Practical implications of findings and directions for future research are discussed.

2018 - Using Kinect camera for investigating intergroup non-verbal human interactions [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Vezzali, Loris; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cadamuro, Alessia; Cocco, Veronica Margherita; Crapolicchio, Eleonora; Bicocchi, Nicola; Calderara, Simone; Giovannini, Dino; Zambonelli, Franco; Cucchiara, Rita
abstract

A long tradition in social psychology focused on nonverbal behaviour displayed during dyadic interactions generally relying on evaluations from external coders. However, in addition to the fact that external coders may be biased, they may not capture certain type of behavioural indices. We designed three studies examining explicit and implicit prejudice as predictors of nonberval behaviour as reflected in objective indices provided by Kinect cameras. In the first study, we considered White-Black relations from the perspective of 36 White participants. Results revealed that implicit prejudice was associated with a reduction in interpersonal distance and in the volume of space between Whites and Blacks (vs. Whites and Whites), which in turn were associated with evaluations by collaborators taking part in the interaction. In the second study, 37 non-HIV participants interacted with HIV individuals. We found that implicit prejudice was associated with reduced volume of space between interactants over time (a process of bias overcorrection) only when they tried hard to control their behaviour (as captured by a stroop test). In the third study 35 non-disabled children interacted with disabled children. Results revealed that implicit prejudice was associated with reduced interpersonal distance over time.

2017 - 4 aprile 2017. Intervista a Telereggio in merito al libro Ridurre il pregiudizio in classe. Come promuovere la coesione nella scuola multiculturale. [Altro]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

4 aprile 2017. Intervista a Telereggio in merito al libro Ridurre il pregiudizio in classe. Come promuovere la coesione nella scuola multiculturale.

2017 - A new era in the study of intergroup nonverbal behaviour: Studying intergroup dyadic interactions “online” [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Vezzali, Loris; Palazzi, Andrea; Calderara, Simone; Bicocchi, Nicola; Zambonelli, Franco; Cucchiara, Rita; Cadamuro, Alessia
abstract

We examined predictors and consequences of intergroup nonverbal behaviour by relying on new technologies and new objective indices. In three studies, both in the laboratory and in the field with children, behaviour was a function of implicit prejudice.

2017 - Contatto immaginato e bullismo pregiudiziale: un intervento con bambini di scuola primaria [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Cadamuro, Alessia; Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Stathi, Sofia; Crisp, Richard J.
abstract

Introduzione. Il bullismo è un fenomeno presente anche in bambini di scuola primaria e risulta particolarmente insidioso quando è rivolto a persone appartenenti a gruppi svantaggiati che soffrono già di episodi di discriminazione, come ad esempio i disabili. Per indagare questo fenomeno e, in particolare, come sia possibile arginarlo, abbiamo condotto un intervento basato sul contatto immaginato, secondo cui immaginare un incontro positivo con membri dell’outgroup è sufficiente per migliorare gli atteggiamenti intergruppi (Crisp & Turner, 2012). Metodo. L’intervento, condotto su 215 bambini di scuola primaria (M = 8.80, SD = 1.35; 106 maschi, 109 femmine), aveva l’obiettivo di verificare l’efficacia del contatto immaginato sia rispetto al tema del pregiudizio nei confronti dei bambini disabili, sia rispetto a comportamenti di bullismo nei loro confronti. In particolare, eravamo interessati a stimolare le reazioni dei bambini qualora si fossero trovati di fronte ad un atto di bullismo nei confronti di un coetaneo disabile. Nella condizione sperimentale (108 partecipanti, 57 maschi, 51 femmine) abbiamo condotto tre incontri, ciascuno dei quali diviso in due fasi: nella prima il bambino doveva immaginare di fare amicizia con un coetaneo in sedia a rotelle; nella seconda, doveva immaginare che questo coetaneo fosse preso in giro (primo incontro), escluso socialmente (secondo incontro), insultato apertamente (terzo 34 incontro). Nella condizione di controllo (107 partecipanti, 49 maschi, 58 femmine), i bambini non svolgevano alcuna attività. La valutazione dell’intervento è stata effettuata con un questionario somministrato a una settimana dall’ultimo incontro. Risultati. I risultati, ottenuti conducendo una serie di ANOVA a una via, hanno evidenziato un forte effetto dell’intervento sulla valutazione dei bambini disabili in sedia a rotelle e sul decentramento dal proprio gruppo: i normodotati sono stati valutati peggio nella condizione sperimentale rispetto alla condizione di controllo. È da notare che gli effetti non si estendevano alla valutazione di bambini con altre disabilità (ad esempio, ciechi) e ai disabili in generale. L’intervento ha aumentato il desiderio di avere in futuro rapporti con bambini disabili in sedia a rotelle. Si sono inoltre osservati effetti sulla vicinanza psicologia ai bambini disabili e sull’empatia affettiva nei loro confronti, ma non su quella cognitiva: la capacità di mettersi nei panni dei bambini disabili non era diversa tra le due condizioni. L’intervento ha prodotto effetti sull’intenzione di reagire in presenza di esclusione sociale di bambini in sedia a rotelle, ma non sull’intenzione di reagire a insulti a bambini in sedia a rotelle, anche se si è ottenuto un effetto indiretto su quest’ultima variabile tramite la vicinanza psicologica. Conclusione. L’intervento ha permesso di dimostrare l’efficacia della strategia del contatto immaginato sulle valutazioni dei disabili e, soprattutto, sull’intenzione di reagire ad atti di bullismo nei loro confronti. Un limite per l’interpretazione dei risultati è tuttavia determinato dall’assenza di un pre-test.

2017 - Discussing differences between groups: The content of intergroup encounters and motivation for social change among members of advantaged groups [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Andrighetto, Luca; Capozza, Dora; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Saguy, Tamar
abstract

Recent research highlighted that intergroup contact can inadvertently undermine social change. However, relatively little work had linked experiences of contact to motivation for social change among advantaged groups. We develop the hypothesis that the association between amount of intergroup contact and motivation for social change depends on the content of the encounter. Specifically, intergroup contact that prioritizes differences between groups (over commonalities) can predict greater motivation for social change among members of advantaged groups. Our findings reveal, consistent with the literature on preferences for the content of contact, that an intergroup interaction that is focused on differences predicts greater motivation for social change, but only if such interaction is part of repeated positive contact experiences. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of findings.

2017 - Expectancies, cultural distance and group representations as predictors of majority and minority adolescents’ intergroup attitudes [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Giovannini, Dino; Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Stathi, Sofia
abstract

In this study, we consider the concept of cultural distance and, for the first time, we integrate it with Berry’s acculturation model (1997), by testing whether contact impacts on cultural distance by considering a sample of both majority and minority participants. A questionnaire was administered to 397 Italian and 142 immigrant students enrolled in secondary schools. First, we tested the hypothesis that intergroup expectancies predict frequent and positive contact. Second, we introduced the construct of cultural distance based on Berry’s (1997) model. To operationalize this construct, we moved from the observation that group representations correspond to Berry’s acculturation strategies. Participants were also asked to provide their meta-perceptions on these representations. We then calculated the difference between each group representation and corresponding meta-perception in order to obtain a measure of perceived cultural distance for each of the four group representations/acculturation strategies. SEM analyses revealed that, among Italians, the most influential intergroup expectancies associated with contact were contact avoidance due to fear of being rejected and to disinterest in interacting with the outgroup. In turn, contact was associated with improved intergroup attitudes via both one-group group representations and reduced cultural distance on the separation strategy. Among immigrants, the most relevant intergroup expectancies associated with contact were contact avoidance due to fear of being rejected and to disinterest in contact, in addition to fear of being discriminated against. Interestingly, contact had a marginal indirect relation with more positive outgroup attitudes via reduced cultural distance on the integration strategy, somehow providing evidence for deprovincialization.

2017 - I Risultati della Ricerca: Qual è la Strategia pìù efficace? [Capitolo/Saggio]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Trifiletti, Elena; Cadamuro, Alessia
abstract

Il capitolo presenta i risultati di una ricerca condotta con studenti di scuola superiore in cui si è testata l'efficacia di diverse strategie di contatto.

2017 - Il Pregiudizio tra i Gruppi [Capitolo/Saggio]
DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Vezzali, Loris; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

Il capitolo presenta un'analisi del pregiudizio e delle sue cause, mostrando come esso dipenda sia dalla struttura di personalità delle persone, sia (soprattuto) da processi psicologici "normali" e imprescindibili, come la categorizzazione sociale. Si sono anche descritte le forme che il pregiudizio può assumere e come queste influenzino il comportamento umano.

2017 - Improving Intergroup Relations with Extended Contact among Young Children: Mediation by Intergroup Empathy and Moderation by Direct Intergroup Contact [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Hewstone, Miles; Capozza, Dora; Trifiletti, Elena; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio
abstract

A correlational study investigated extended contact as a strategy to improve outgroup attitudes and stereotyping and to prepare children for future contact. Additional aims were to investigate when and why the effects of extended contact occur. In particular, intergroup empathy was tested as a mediator and direct contact (i.e. cross-group friendship) as a moderator of extended contact. Participants were Italian and immigrant elementary school children. Results showed that extended contact was associated with improved intergroup empathy, which, in turn, was associated with more positive outgroup attitudes, stereotypes and behavioural intentions. These effects were significant only among participants with a low or moderate level of direct contact. The theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed.

2017 - In the Aftermath of Natural Disasters: Fostering Helping Towards Outgroup Victims [Capitolo/Saggio]
Vezzali, Loris; Andrighetto, Luca; Drury, John; Di Bernardo, Gian Antonio; Cadamuro, Alessia
abstract

After a natural disaster, solidarity and helping behaviours among survivors are crucial for alleviating the adverse consequences of this event (Bioterrorism: Psychological and public health interventions, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, UK, 200–229, 2004). However, fostering mutual helping may turn out to be problematic in most of the today’s affected communities, given their increasingly multi-ethnic nature. Indeed, prejudice and intergroup biases may constitute serious obstacles to the willingness to help outgroup members. Yet, while a substantial body of literature has examined the intergroup processes affecting helping in bystander groups (see e.g., Zagefka, Noor, Brown, Hopthrow, & de Moura, Asian Journal of Social Psychology 15:221–230, 2012), only recently has social psychological research explored these processes within ethnic groups actually involved in the disaster. In the present chapter, we review research that focused on the conditions and the processes shaping intergroup helping in victimised ethnic groups. In presenting this research, we focus on the interplay between individual reactions to the disaster and group variables in determining the willingness to help outgroup members. Further, we stress the importance of adopting a multi-ethnic perspective because the processes of the majorities and minorities that drive intergroup helping are often radically different. Particular attention is devoted to the mechanisms triggering children’s intergroup helping, as they appear to be different from those driving helping responses among adults. We conclude by identifying effective strategies that would potentially make the salience of a natural disaster an unexpected opportunity to promote helping outgroup members and, ultimately, to improve intergroup relations and facilitate the recovery among individuals of affected communities.

2017 - Intergroup contact and outgroup humanization: Is the causal relationship uni- or bidirectional? [Articolo su rivista]
Capozza, Dora; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Falvo, Rossella
abstract

The attribution of uniquely human characteristics to the outgroup may favor the search for contact with outgroup members and, vice versa, contact experiences may improve humanity attributions to the outgroup. To explore this bidirectional relationship, two studies were performed. In Study 1, humanity perceptions were manipulated using subliminal conditioning. Two experimental conditions were created. In the humanization condition, the unconditioned stimuli (US) were uniquely human words; in the dehumanization condition, the US were nonuniquely human and animal words. In both conditions, conditioned stimuli were typical outgroup faces. An approach/avoidance technique (the manikin task) was used to measure the willingness to have contact with outgroup members. Findings showed that in the humanization condition participants were faster in approaching than in avoiding outgroup members: closeness to the outgroup was preferred to distance. Latencies of approach and avoidance movements were not different in the dehumanization condition. In Study 2, contact was manipulated using the manikin task. One approach (contact) condition and two control conditions were created. The attribution of uniquely human traits to the outgroup was stronger in the contact than in the no-contact conditions. Furthermore, the effect of contact on humanity attributions was mediated by increased trust toward the outgroup. Thus, findings demonstrate the bidirectionality of the relationship between contact and humanity attributions. Practical implications of findings are discussed.

2017 - Introduzione [RIDURRE IL PREGIUDIZIO IN CLASSE: Come promuovere la coesione nella scuola multiculturale] [Breve Introduzione]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

Introduzione al volume, chiarendone la collocazione nel panorama della ricerca-intervento sulla riduzione del pregiudizio.

2017 - L'Importanza degli Interventi a Scuola per Migliorare le Relazioni Interpersonali e fra i Gruppi [Capitolo/Saggio]
DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Vezzali, Loris; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

Basandosi sui risultati emersi da una ricerca condotta in diverse scuole superiori il capitolo descrive come la scuola rappresenti, in una società sempre più multiculturale, un ambiente privilegiato per implementare strategie orientate alla riduzione del pregiudizio e al miglioramento delle relazioni tra ragazzi/e con differenti background culturali.

2017 - Leaders' competence and warmth: Their relationships with employees' well-being and organizational effectiveness [Articolo su rivista]
Capozza, Dora; Bobbio, Andrea; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Falvo, Rossella; Pagani, Ariela Francesca
abstract

The aim of this work was to investigate competence and warmth - the two basic dimensions of social judgment - as dimensions employees use to evaluate their supervisors. A mediation model was tested in which supervisor's perceived competence and warmth were associated with relevant outcomes (lower burnout, weaker turnover intentions, more frequent citizenship behaviors) through the mediation of affective organizational commitment (AOC). In Study 1, data were collected from employees of a company in the water service sector. In Study 2, participants were financial promoters. In Study 3, the sample included employees from different organizations. As hypothesized, the perception of one's supervisor as competent (Studies 1-3) and warm (Study 3) was related to employees' lower burnout, weaker turnover intentions, more frequent prosocial behaviors through the mediation of AOC. Theoretical and practical implications of findings are discussed.

2017 - Migliorare le Relazioni Tra Gruppi [Capitolo/Saggio]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

Il capitolo passa in rassegna alcune delle strategie più efficaci utilizzate in psicologia sociale per ridurre il pregiudizio verso gli outgroup. In particolare, il capitolo si focalizza sulla descrizione dell'Ipotesi del contatto e dei suoi successivi sviluppi.

2017 - Negative intergroup contact and support for social policies toward the minority outgroup in the aftermath of a natural disaster [Articolo su rivista]
Vezzali, Loris; Andrighetto, Luca; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Nadi, Chaima; Bergamini, Giulia
abstract

In this field study, we tested whether negative intergroup contact experienced by majority (Italian) survivors in the aftermath of the earthquakes that struck Northern Italy in 2012 was associated with policy attitudes toward minority (immigrant) survivors. Results revealed a negative association between negative contact and support for social policies aimed at favoring immigrant survivors. Moreover, social policies toward immigrant survivors mediated the effect of negative contact on social policy attitudes toward the minority group as a whole. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of findings.

2017 - Ostracism, humanity attributions, and social categorization [Poster]
Capozza, Dora; Boin, Jessica; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Falvo, Rossella
abstract

Two studies were conducted using the Cyberball game. The aim was to explore whether ostracizers’ group membership moderates the effects of ostracism on humanity self-perceptions. No moderation effect of ostracizers’ belonging was revealed. Findings support Williams’ temporal model of ostracism.

2017 - Presentazione del libro “Ridurre il pregiudizio in classe: come promuovere la coesione nella scuola multiculturale”, presso l’Aula Magna “P. Manodori” di Palazzo Dossetti (Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia). Sono intervenuti alla presentazione Angelo O. Andrisano (Magnifico Rettore dell’Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia), Giorgio Zanetti (Direttore Dipartimento Educazione e Scienze Umane), Raffaella Curioni (Assessora a Educazione e Conoscenza del Comune di Reggio Emilia), Elena Trifiletti (docente di psicologia sociale, Università di Verona), Andrea Carboni (docente Istituto Professionale per i Servizi Alberghieri e Ristorazione Motti di Reggio Emilia), Lisa Cortesi (studentessa Corso di Laurea in Scienze dell’Educazione (Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia). [Altro]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

Presentazione del libro “Ridurre il pregiudizio in classe: come promuovere la coesione nella scuola multiculturale”, presso l’Aula Magna “P. Manodori” di Palazzo Dossetti (Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia). Sono intervenuti alla presentazione Angelo O. Andrisano (Magnifico Rettore dell’Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia), Giorgio Zanetti (Direttore Dipartimento Educazione e Scienze Umane), Raffaella Curioni (Assessora a Educazione e Conoscenza del Comune di Reggio Emilia), Elena Trifiletti (docente di psicologia sociale, Università di Verona), Andrea Carboni (docente Istituto Professionale per i Servizi Alberghieri e Ristorazione Motti di Reggio Emilia), Lisa Cortesi (studentessa Corso di Laurea in Scienze dell’Educazione (Università di Modena e Reggio Emilia).

2017 - Religion, prejudice, and improvement of interreligious relationships [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Vezzali, Loris; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

The presentation reviewed the psychosocial literature that investigated the relation between prejudice and religion. On the one hand, it has been highlighted the critical role of religion in both enhancing and challenging social hierarchies and, on the other hand, strategies have been proposed in order to maximize the positive effects of religion in intergroup relations.

2017 - Ridurre il Pregiudizio in Classe. Come Promuovere la Coesione nella Scuola Multiculturale. [Curatela]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

Il volume analizza il tema del pregiudizio e della discriminazione, nonchè alcuni modelli psicologici che consentono di promuovere l'integrazione sociale. Viene, inoltre, descritta un'attività di sperimentazione condotta in istituti secondari superiori fortemente caratterizzati in senso multiculturale, accompagnata da indicazioni su come condurre le attività in classe per ottenere benefici sul piano della riduzione del pregiudizio.

2017 - Specific Verbal Memory Measures May Distinguish Alzheimer's Disease from Dementia with Lewy Bodies [Articolo su rivista]
Bussè, Cinzia; Anselmi, Pasquale; Pompanin, Sara; Zorzi, Giovanni; Fragiacomo, Federica; Camporese, Giulia; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Semenza, Carlo; Caffarra, Paolo; Cagnin, Annachiara
abstract

Background: Standard measures of commonly used memory tests may not be appropriate to distinguish different neurodegenerative diseases affecting memory. Objective: To study whether specific measures of verbal memory obtained with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning test (RAVLT) could help distinguish dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Methods: Twenty-nine DLB and 32 AD patients participated in the study and were followed longitudinally for 3 years until the diagnosis was confirmed according to standard clinical criteria. Twenty-eight healthy elderly subjects served as controls. The following verbal memory measures were evaluated: verbal learning (VL), verbal forgetting (VF), percentage of verbal forgetting (VF%), and serial position effects of the immediate recall performance. Results: DLB and AD groups have comparable performances at the RAVLT immediate and delayed recall tasks. However, VL was higher in DLB than AD while VF% was greater in AD. With a VF% cut-off ≥75%, AD and DLB patients were differently distributed, with 58% of AD versus 21% of DLB above this cut-off. The recency effect was significant higher in AD than DLB. Discussion: DLB patients had a better performance in VL than AD, but worse VF and recency effect. These specific measures of verbal memory could be used as cognitive markers in the differential diagnosis between these two conditions.

2017 - Taking advantage of direct contact intercultural videos to implement vicarious contact: A school-based intervention [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Stathi, Sofia; Capozza, Dora; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

Although direct, face-to-face contact between groups is more and more frequent in multicultural societies, phenomena of ethnic re-segregation and practical and organizational difficulties make interventions based on direct contact impractical. However, recent research showed that also observing ingroup members interacting with outgroup individuals is sufficient to improve outgroup attitudes. Based on these premises, we implemented a vicarious intergroup contact intervention, using stimuli created with a previous direct intergroup contact intervention. The aim was to create an engaging intervention for schools, where videos of direct contact at school would inform a subsequent vicarious contact intervention. Participants belonged to both the ethnic majority (Italian) and the ethnic minority group (immigrant), and were all high-school students. In the preparatory direct contact phase, participants took part in a competition for the best video on intercultural friendships. This way, we obtained the stimuli for the second phase. In the vicarious contact phase, videos created in the first phase were shown to participants who had not taken part in the direct contact phase. Results showed that vicarious contact, compared with a control condition, improved outgroup attitudes, reduced negative outgroup stereotypes, and increased intentions to have contact with outgroup members. Interestingly, these effects only emerged when intercultural friendships in the videos were clearly noticeable. The effects were mediated by inclusion of the other in the self, thus confirming the role of this variable in explaining vicarious contact effects. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of the findings.

2017 - The importance of selecting the best prejudice-reduction strategy: Direct an indirect intergroup contact interventions [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Hewstone, Miles; Stathi, Sofia; Capozza, Dora; Trifiletti, Elena; Giovannini, Dino
abstract

Although direct contact proved to be extremely effective, there is no consensus neither on the best way to structure the contact setting nor on the order in which different types of interventions should be conducted, especially whether contact should be first categorized, decategorized or both (Brown & Hewstone, 2005; Pettigrew, 1998). In the first study, participants were 216 Italian first-year high-school students, taking part at the beginning of the school year in a 5-week intervention. The order of categorization instructions (how to behave with outgroup peers) was systematically varied. The four conditions were (a) categorization-decategorization; (b) decategorization-categorization; (c) categorization+decategorization; (d) no instructions (control). Results, with measures assessed 1 week and also 6 months after the intervention, revealed that the best strategy was categorization followed by decategorization. However, direct contact interventions can be impractical. We therefore conducted a vicarious contact intervention in order to show that outcomes of a direct contact intervention can be used to spread its effects among a larger number of individuals. Specifically, we conducted an intervention in two phases. In the first phase, 91 Italians (majority) and 37 immigrants (minority) worked together on creating videos depicting intercultural friendships. In the second phase, 358 Italians and 127 immigrants watched the videos before (experimental condition) or after (control condition) completing a questionnaire. Results showed that vicarious contact improved outgroup attitudes and outgroup stereotypes, and increased contact behavioural intentions, but only when intercultural friendships in the videos were clearly noticeable. IOS emerged as the mediator of the effects.

2017 - Vicarious, extended and imagined intergroup contact: A review of interventions based on indirect contact strategies applied in educational settings [Articolo su rivista]
DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Vezzali, Loris; Stathi, Sofia; Cadamuro, Alessia; Cortesi, Lisa
abstract

Although research has shown that interventions within educational contexts based on direct, facetoface contact are effective in reducing prejudice, they may be difficult to implement. Recent research has demonstrated that also indirect contact is a useful strategy to improve intergroup relations. In the present work, we focus on three forms of indirect contact which have received consistent attention by social psychologists in recent years: vicarious contact, extended contact, imagined contact. The interventions reviewed support indirect contact strategies as effective and flexible means of reducing prejudice within schools. In the final part of the article, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications of our literature review and provide some suggestions for future research.

2016 - Attributions of competence and warmth to the leader and employees’ organizational commitment: The mediation role of the satisfaction of basic needs [Articolo su rivista]
Falvo, Rossella; Capozza, Dora; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Manganelli, Anna Maria
abstract

In the present study, competence and warmth, the two fundamental dimensions of social judgment, postulated by the stereotype content model (SCM), are considered as leaders’ traits. In particular, we investigated whether the attribution of competence and warmth to one’s own supervisor is related to employees’ organizational commitment. Furthermore, we hypothesized that the mechanism underpinning this relation was the satisfaction of the basic psychological needs — competence, autonomy, and relatedness — conceptualized by self-determination theory. To test our hypotheses a cross-sectional study was conducted, examining metalworkers (N = 120) of an engineering industry. Participants filled out a questionnaire, including measures of evaluations regarding one’s supervisor, satisfaction of basic needs at work, and organizational commitment. Indirect effects of leader’s perceived competence and perceived warmth on organizational commitment were tested using PROCESS. Results showed that warmth ascribed to the leader, but not competence, was positively related to organizational commitment, this relationship being mediated by the satisfaction of the need for autonomy. Our findings establish a link between warmth ascribed to one’s supervisor and employees’ organizational commitment, suggesting the usefulness of considering warmth and competence as leader traits in organizational contexts.

2016 - Individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities: Do educators assign them a fully human status? [Articolo su rivista]
Capozza, Dora; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Falvo, Rossella; Vianello, Renzo; Calò, Luca
abstract

The present research investigates the humanity attributions to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). In three studies, professional educators, who worked in day-care or community centers, were examined. Humanity attributions were assessed using emotion-based and trait-based measures. As expected, individuals with IDD were denied a fully human status: they were perceived as having more non-uniquely than uniquely human attributes. Furthermore, a lower human status was assigned to individuals with IDD in relation to educators. We also discovered that humanity attributions, but not attitudes, were related to approach/avoidance responses. Altogether, findings show the importance of considering humanity perceptions in the study of social relationships of individuals with IDD. Dehumanizing perceptions can explain the differential treatment these individuals face in various social settings.

2016 - Le relazioni tra italiani e stranieri all’indomani del terremoto [Capitolo/Saggio]
Vezzali, Loris; Giovannini, Dino; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Cadamuro, Alessia; Versari, Annalisa
abstract

In seguito al terremoto che ha colpito l’Emilia-Romagna nel 2012, si è portato avanti un programma di ricerca che ci ha permesso di comprendere in parte i processi psicologici legati alla reazione al terremoto in contesti multiculturali. Tale programma rientra nell’ambito delle attività promosse da RIMILab (Centro di Ricerca su Relazioni Interetniche, Multiculturalità e Immigrazione del Dipartimento di Educazione e Scienze Umane, Unimore). Oltre a quella degli adulti, abbiamo anche considerato la reazione dei bambini che ne sono stati vittime, i quali sono stati scarsamente considerati dalle ricerche volte a indagare le conseguenze sociali dei disastri naturali. L’obiettivo era quello di comprendere come la reazione al terremoto abbia influito sulle intenzioni di aiutare membri di gruppi etnici diversi dal proprio e come tali processi differissero tra vittime italiane e straniere. In questo capitolo si presentano gli studi che abbiamo svolto, delineandone inoltre il quadro teorico di riferimento. Nelle conclusioni trarremo le somme derivanti dai risultati degli studi e ne indicheremo le ricadute applicative.

2016 - Spotting prejudice with nonverbal behaviours [Relazione in Atti di Convegno]
Palazzi, Andrea; Calderara, Simone; Bicocchi, Nicola; Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Zambonelli, Franco; Cucchiara, Rita
abstract

Despite prejudice cannot be directly observed, nonverbal behaviours provide profound hints on people inclinations. In this paper, we use recent sensing technologies and machine learning techniques to automatically infer the results of psychological questionnaires frequently used to assess implicit prejudice. In particular, we recorded 32 students discussing with both white and black collaborators. Then, we identiﬁed a set of features allowing automatic extraction and measured their degree of correlation with psychological scores. Results conﬁrmed that automated analysis of nonverbal behaviour is actually possible thus paving the way for innovative clinical tools and eventually more secure societies.

2016 - Valutazione del progetto “Quasi Amici” [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Vezzali, Loris; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO
abstract

Si sono presentati i risultati della valutazione del Progetto "Quasi Amici"

2016 - Who is excluding me? Ostracism, humanity attributions and social categorization [Poster]
Capozza, Dora; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Falvo, Rossella; Boin, Jessica
abstract

Being excluded threatens individual’s well-being because it curbs the natural inclination to sociality. A flourishing literature has investigated factors influencing social exclusion, and its consequences. In one study, we employed the Cyberball, a computerized game in which participants receive and pass the ball to other players. We manipulated exclusion (vs. inclusion) and membership of the ostracizers (ingroup member vs. non-categorized individual). According to the experimental condition, participants could be excluded (they receive the 3.7% of total passes) or included (33% of total passes); moreover, half of participants received the ball from ingroup members and the other half from non-categorized players. After the manipulation, measures of humanity attributions (to the self, to other players, and meta-attributions) were administered. Results showed that being ostracized reduced the humanity ascribed to the three targets, while membership of ostracizers did not affect humanity perceptions.

2015 - Amicizie indirette intergruppi e perdono [Poster]
DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Capozza, Dora; Hichy, Zira; Falvo, Rossella; Boin, Jessica
abstract

Il contatto intergruppi rappresenta una delle strategie più efficaci per ridurre il pregiudizio verso l’outgroup. Secondo l’ipotesi del contatto, interazioni faccia-a-faccia, positive e cooperative, con i membri dell’outgroup migliorano l’atteggiamento (Allport, 1954). Tuttavia, rapporti diretti con l’altro gruppo non sono sempre possibili; per questo, si è valutato l’effetto di forme indirette di contatto. Numerose ricerche hanno mostrato come il contatto esteso (Wright, Aron, McLaughling-Volpe, & Ropp, 1997), ossia conoscere membri dell’ingroup che hanno amici nell’outgroup, favorisca percezioni positive dell’outgroup (per una review, si veda Vezzali et al., 2015). Obiettivo del presente contributo è di integrare la letteratura sul contatto considerando la relazione tra amicizie dirette/estese e perdono intergruppi. Un altro obiettivo è di indagare quali processi possano mediare tale relazione. È stato somministrato un questionario a partecipanti meridionali (l’outgroup era rappresentato dai settentrionali). Il questionario conteneva misure di contatto (amicizie dirette ed estese), variabili cognitive (norme dell’ingroup, norme dell’outgroup, inclusione dell’outgroup nel sè), variabili emotive (ansia e fiducia intergruppi) e item che misuravano la disponibilità a perdonare l’outgroup per azioni negative commesse nei confronti dell’ingroup. Per indagare la relazione tra contatto e perdono sono stati testati modelli di equazioni strutturali; in essi le due forme di amicizia erano le variabili esogene, le misure cognitive erano i mediatori di primo livello, le variabili emotive i mediatori di secondo livello, il perdono era la variabile finale. Gli effetti di mediazione sono stati testati con tecniche bootstrapping. Dai risultati è emersa una relazione positiva tra amicizie estese (ma non dirette) e perdono intergruppi attraverso l’effetto mediatore dell’inclusione dell’outgroup nel sé e della fiducia. Questo contributo mostra, per la prima volta, un legame tra contatto esteso e tendenza a perdonare l’outgroup; conferma, inoltre, l’importanza del contatto come strategia per migliorare i rapporti intergruppi.

2015 - Amicizie intergruppi, dirette e indirette, e attribuzioni di mente [Abstract in Atti di Convegno]
Capozza, Dora; Falvo, Rossella; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Boin, Jessica
abstract

La ricerca ha mostrato come il contatto intergruppi favorisca l’umanizzazione dell’outgroup. Si è trovato che il contatto aumenta l’attribuzione all’outgroup dei tratti unicamente umani e diminuisce l’infraumanizzazione. Non sono mai stati studiati, comunque, gli effetti del contatto sulle attribuzioni di mente, che si articolano in due dimensioni: agency (cioè di capacità di autocontrollo e pianificare l’azione); experience (cioè di capacità di provare emozioni). Non si sono mai studiati neppure gli effetti del contatto sull’aspettativa che l’outgroup ci attribuisca controllo ed emozionalità (meta-attribuzioni di mente). In questo lavoro analizziamo la relazione tra amicizie intergruppi (dirette e indirette) e attribuzioni e meta-attribuzioni di mente. In questa ricerca, correlazionale, si è considerata la relazione tra settentrionali e meridionali; come strumento si è usato un questionario. I partecipanti erano 221 studenti universitari settentrionali. Il questionario comprendeva vari strumenti: misure di amicizie intergruppi dirette e indirette; misure di attribuzione e meta-attribuzione di agency ed experience; misure di mediatori cognitivi (inclusione dell’outgroup nel sè), normativi (norme dell’ingroup, norme dell’outgroup) ed emotivi (ansia, empatia e fiducia). Il questionario era applicato collettivamente in ore di lezione. Con modelli di equazioni strutturali e tecniche di bootstrapping sono stati verificati modelli di mediazione. È emerso che sia le amicizie dirette sia quelle indirette sono associate ad una maggiore attribuzione di agency all’outgroup meridionale. I processi di mediazione sono, comunque, nei due casi, diversi. Si è trovato, inoltre, che le amicizie dirette, ma non quelle estese, sono legate all’aspettativa che l’outgroup ci riconosca sia attributi di controllo dell’azione sia attributi di emozionalità. Nella discussione saranno considerate le implicazioni dei risultati per il comportamento morale reciproco dei due gruppi.

2015 - Attachment security and intergroup contact [Articolo su rivista]
Boccato, Giulio; Capozza, Dora; Trifiletti, Elena; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO
abstract

The contact hypothesis suggests that the interaction between members of different groups decreases prejudice. Moderators and mediators shaping this link have been investigated. However, research about the factors that facilitate contact is not frequent. This article examines secure attachment as an antecedent of contact. Three studies provide information about various aspects of the relationship between secure attachment and contact: security is positively associated with (a) intergroup contact, which in turn is related to reduced prejudice (Study 1); (b) implicit approach tendencies toward the outgroup (Study 2); and, once again, (c) with contact through the indirect effect of openness to exploration (Study 3). In the discussion, we recommend priming both secure and insecure schemas to investigate their unique effects on intergroup contact.

2015 - Attribuzioni di Competenza e Calore ai Leader in Contesti Organizzativi [Poster]
Capozza, Dora; Bobbio, Andrea; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Falvo, Rossella; Pagani, Ariela Francesca
abstract

Secondo il modello del contenuto degli stereotipi, i giudizi sociali si articolano in due dimensioni: competenza e calore. Il calore comprende caratteristiche relazionali come amichevolezza e cordialità; la competenza comprende le capacità che consentono di realizzare i propri obiettivi (ad es., intelligenza, abilità, sicurezza). Tale modello è soprattutto applicato allo studio del pregiudizio e dei rapporti intergruppi; nell’ambito della psicologia delle organizzazioni, incominciano ad apparire studi che riguardano, ad esempio, la valutazione e la selezione del personale. Nel presente contributo analizziamo competenza e calore come attributi percepiti della leadership e consideriamo le loro relazioni con importanti variabili organizzative. Sono stati condotti due studi correlazionali, in cui si sono indagate le relazioni tra attribuzioni di competenza e calore al proprio superiore e le seguenti variabili: burnout (esaurimento emotivo e disaffezione lavorativa, Studio 1 e 2); comportamenti di cittadinanza (Studio 1 e 2); intenzioni di turnover (Studio 2). In entrambi gli studi, è stato testato l’effetto mediatore dell’impegno organizzativo affettivo. Attraverso la somministrazione di questionari in due organizzazioni (una società di gestione del servizio idrico, una banca), ai partecipanti, dipendenti delle due organizzazioni, si chiedeva di valutare il proprio diretto superiore e di compilare le scale relative all’impegno organizzativo e alle variabili-risultato. I dati sono stati analizzati utilizzando il programma PROCESS che consente di verificare ipotesi di mediazione. I risultati hanno mostrato effetti della competenza; si è trovato, infatti, che percepire il proprio diretto superiore come competente sia correlato negativamente con il burnout e le intenzioni di lasciare l’azienda e positivamente con i comportamenti di cittadinanza. Come ipotizzato, tali relazioni risultano mediate dall’impegno affettivo. Non si sono rilevate relazioni significative nel caso del calore. Naturalmente, la ricerca va replicata in contesti lavorativi in cui il calore percepito del leader possa essere più influente. Questo contributo dimostra l’utilità di usare competenza e calore come attributi della leadership.

2015 - Can imagined contact favor the "humanization" of the homeless? [Articolo su rivista]
Falvo, Rossella; Capozza, Dora; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Pagani, Ariela F.
abstract

Research on imagined contact, a new prejudice-reduction strategy, has demonstrated its beneficial effects on several aspects of intergroup relations. Emerging evidence has shown that this form of contact can positively affect humanness perceptions. The present study examined imagined contact as a means to improve humanity attributions to the homeless? a stigmatized group strongly dehumanized. Participants (university students) were asked to imagine either a positive interaction with a homeless person or a control scene. Humanity attributions were assessed by using uniquely human (e.g., rationality) and non-uniquely human (e.g., impulsiveness) traits. As expected, after the mentally-simulated encounter, the homeless were perceived as more clearly characterized by uniquely human features. Practical implications of findings are discussed.

2015 - Cross-group friendships, extended contact, and humanity meta-attributions [Poster]
Falvo, Rossella; Capozza, Dora; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO
abstract

Research has consistently demonstrated that intergroup contact favors outgroup humanization. However, the relationship between contact and the humanity attributions, that ingroup members expect from the outgroup, has never been investigated. Intergroup relationships would actually be more harmonious if each group believes that its humanity traits are recognized by the outgroup. In a survey, the relationship between Northern and Southern Italians was considered. Participants were Northern university students. Direct and indirect cross-group friendships were measured (self-report measures). The outcomes, in the structural equation models, were the dimensions of mind attribution: agency and experience. Different mediators were tested: cognitive, normative, emotional. Findings showed that direct but not indirect friendships were related to the belief that the outgroup is able to understand ingroup's human traits. Key mediators of this relationship were the inclusion of the outgroup in the self mechanism and improved empathy toward the outgroup. Practical implications of findings are discussed.

2015 - La Relazione tra gli Attributi di Competenza e Calore della Leadership e l’Impegno Organizzativo Affettivo [Poster]
Manganelli, Anna Maria; Capozza, Dora; Pagani, Ariela Francesca; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Falvo, Rossella
abstract

In questo contributo esploriamo se la competenza e il calore assegnati al proprio diretto superiore risultino correlati con l’impegno organizzativo affettivo e se tale relazione sia mediata dalla soddisfazione dei bisogni basilari di autonomia, competenza e relazionalità. La ricerca integra, dunque, tre modelli teorici: quello psicosociale del contenuto degli stereotipi, la teoria tricomponenziale dell’impegno organizzativo e la teoria motivazionale della self-determination. Per verificare le suddette relazioni, si è condotto uno studio correlazionale. Si sono esaminati 155 partecipanti: ogni partecipante era dipendente di una organizzazione diversa. Come strumento si è usato un questionario che comprendeva le seguenti misure: sei tratti che esprimevano competenza e sei tratti che esprimevano calore (su di essi i partecipanti giudicavano il loro diretto superiore); una scala che consentiva di misurare la soddisfazione dei bisogni basilari; i sei item che rilevano l’impegno affettivo inclusi nella scala di Meyer, Allen, e Smith (1993). Per verificare le relazioni tra le variabili e l’ipotesi di mediazione, si è usato il programma PROCESS. Si è trovato che sia la competenza sia il calore percepito nel leader sono correlati con l’impegno affettivo, ma più la competenza. La variabile che media tali relazioni è il bisogno di autonomia soddisfatto. Competenza e calore sono, dunque, costrutti utili anche nei contesti organizzativi: come attributi della leadership consentono di prevedere la soddisfazione del bisogno di autonomia e l’impegno affettivo, cioè l’attaccamento all’azienda.

2014 - Intergroup contact as a strategy to improve humanness attributions: A review of studies [Articolo su rivista]
D., Capozza; R., Falvo; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Vezzali, Loris; E. P., Visintin
abstract

Over the past 15 years, outgroup dehumanization has been a topic of great interest in the field of social psychology. Researchers have in particular investigated the different forms of dehumanization and its detrimental consequences; however, little attention has been paid to the problem of how dehumanizing perceptions can be reduced. In this article, we review the studies that investigate whether intergroup contact may be related to more favorable humanity attributions. Different forms of contact have been considered: direct and imagined contact, cross-group friendships, and extended contact. Evidence regarding direct and imagined contact allows us to conclude that contact attenuates infrahumanization and favors outgroup humanization. For direct and indirect cross-group friendships, in contrast, the association between contact and ameliorated humanity attributions is only supported by correlational evidence. We conclude with a discussion of the practical implications of the studies reviewed, and propose directions for future research.

2014 - Patients are not fully human: A nurse's coping response to stress [Articolo su rivista]
Trifiletti, Elena; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Falvo, Rossella; Capozza, Dora
abstract

In this article, dehumanization of patients was studied as a strategy used by nurses to cope with stress. Affective organizational commitment (AOC) and affective commitment to patients (ACP) were tested as moderators. We also explored how nurses' humanity attributions to their in-group relate to stress symptoms. Participants were nurses working in different wards of an Italian urban hospital. Findings showed that perceiving patients as not fully human was related to lower levels of stress symptoms for nurses with high AOC and ACP, but not for nurses with low AOC and ACP. Moreover, for highly committed nurses, the attribution of uniquely human traits to the in-group was associated with increased stress symptoms. Implications of findings for the relationship between nurses and patients are discussed.

2013 - Self-Efficacy in Social Work: Development and Initial Validation of the Self-Efficacy Scale for Social Workers [Articolo su rivista]
Pedrazza, Monica; Trifiletti, Elena; Berlanda, Sabrina; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO
abstract

Self-efficacy beliefs do not reflect a generic sense of competence, but are instead context-specific. Therefore, self-efficacy should be assessed by using an ad hoc scale measuring individual behaviors that allows social workers to exercise influence over events that affect their work life. The present study describes the development and initial validation of the self-efficacy scale for social workers (SESSW). Items were generated through the Critical Incident Technique. Sixteen social workers with at least 10 years of service participated in two focus groups; they were asked to recall critical incidents in their work and to indicate the most effective behaviors to manage the incidents. Content analysis of the focus group transcripts provided 13 key self-efficacy beliefs. The 13-item scale was validated with a sample of 805 social workers. Data were analyzed using a split-sample technique. Exploratory factor analysis on the first split sample (n = 402) revealed three dimensions of self-efficacy, corresponding to emotion regulation, support request, and procedural self-efficacy. The three-factor structure of the scale was further confirmed with confirmatory factor analysis on the second split sample (n = 403). Our results show that SESSW is an adequate instrument for assessment of self-efficacy beliefs in social work.

2012 - Attachment styles in organizations: A study performed in a hospital [Articolo su rivista]
Falvo, Rossella; Favara, Irene; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Boccato, Giulio; Capozza, Dora
abstract

Recent research has shown that adult attachment theory may be usefully applied to the organizational domain. Our aim in this study was to analyze the influence of attachment styles (secure, avoidant, and anxious) on employees' perceptions, attitudes, and intentions. Participants were nurses, working in a hospital in Italy. Models were tested in which the outcome variables were: turnover intentions, organizational citizenship behaviors, and burnout perceptions (exhaustion and cynicism). The mediational effect of affective organizational commitment was also evaluated. Results showed that attachment security was associated with lower levels of intentions to quit and lower levels of job burnout through the mediation of affective commitment. The secure style was also directly linked to helping behaviors in favor of supervisors and colleagues. Reliable relationships were also found for the avoidant style, which was associated with exhaustion and cynicism. The novelty of findings and usefulness of studying attachment in organizations are discussed. © 2012 Cises.

2012 - Attribuzioni di umanità e valore della vita dell’outgroup: Rapporto Italiani/Immigrati. [Capitolo/Saggio]
Capozza, Dora; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO; Favara, Irene; Trifiletti, Elena; Visintin, Emilio Paolo
abstract

Abbiamo condotto due studi per esaminare la relazione esistente tra attribuzioni di umanità e valore assegnato alla vita di membri dell’outgroup. Nei due studi, abbiamo congiunto l’ambito di ricerca dell’infraumanizzazione (vedi Leyens et al., 2007) con quello della teoria della prospettiva (Kahneman & Tversky, 1979). Tale teoria postula che le persone tra due scelte di guadagno tendano a preferire quella espressa in termini di guadagno sicuro rispetto a quella espressa in termini di guadagno probabile, anche se il risultato vantaggioso è lo stesso. Secondo la teoria, invece, tra due scelte di perdita le persone preferiscono la scelta probabilistica a quella sicura. Tali ipotesi hanno trovato conferma anche in decisioni relative all’ambito sanitario; negli esperimenti eseguiti, il compito dei partecipanti era di compiere delle scelte per programmi sanitari in cui si parlava di perdere o salvare vite umane. Pratto e collaboratori (2006, 2008) hanno applicato la teoria della prospettiva ai rapporti intergruppi, proponendo che, nel caso dell’outgroup, le scelte possano deviare da quelle previste dalla teoria. Nello Studio 1 abbiamo considerato il rapporto intergruppi Italiani/immigrati. I partecipanti (N = 275, studenti italiani di psicologia) compilavano un questionario che conteneva: misure di tratti unicamente umani (i target erano l’ingroup e l’outgroup); scale del differenziale semantico usate per misurare l’atteggiamento verso l’outgroup; due scenari presi dalla teoria della prospettiva che riguardano membri dell’outgroup. In uno scenario il focus era la perdita di vite umane: il partecipante doveva scegliere tra l’alternativa di perdita certa e quella di perdita probabile; nell’altro scenario, il focus era la salvezza di vite umane: il partecipante doveva scegliere tra l’alternativa di salvezza certa e quella di salvezza probabile. Abbiamo verificato un modello di mediazione, in cui l’attribuzione di tratti unicamente umani all’outgroup era la variabile iniziale, la valutazione (atteggiamento) dell’outgroup era il mediatore e le misure relative ai due scenari erano la variabile finale. Abbiamo trovato un effetto di mediazione totale per lo scenario della perdita: maggiore l’attribuzione di tratti unicamente umani agli immigrati, più elevata la loro valutazione, maggiore il valore attribuito alla loro vita (si privilegia la scelta probabile). Lo Studio 2 costituisce una replica dello Studio 1 con un diverso rapporto intergruppi: settentrionali/meridionali (N = 103 studenti universitari settentrionali): si è, anche in questo caso, trovato un effetto di mediazione che riguarda uno dei due scenari (quello di salvezza di vite umane). Le implicazioni pratiche dei due studi saranno analizzate.

2012 - Does status affect intergroup perceptions of humanity? [Articolo su rivista]
Capozza, D.; Andrighetto, L.; di Bernardo, G. A.; Falvo, R.
abstract

Across three studies, we examined whether ingroup status may affect intergroup perceptions of humanity. In Studies 1 and 2, we considered real groups: Northern versus Southern Italians; in Study 3, we manipulated the socioeconomic status of two minimal groups. In all studies, members of higher status groups perceived the ingroup as more human than the outgroup, while members of lower status groups did not assign a privileged human status to the ingroup. Such findings were obtained using different implicit techniques: the Implicit Association Test (IAT) and the Go/No-go Association Task (GNAT). Further, results suggest that the different perceptions of humanity may depend on the stereotypic traits generally ascribed to higher and lower status groups. The implications of results for infrahumanization research are discussed. © The Author(s) 2012.

2012 - The secularism of state scale [Articolo su rivista]
Hichy, Zira; Espartal, Noelia Rodríguez; Trifiletti, Elena; DI BERNARDO, GIAN ANTONIO
abstract

The debate on the secularism of State returns whenever the regulation of certain issues, such as the display of religious symbols in public buildings, same-sex marriage, or embryonic stem cell research, arise. In order to improve the knowledge of attitude toward secularism of State, the Secularism of State Scale was developed. It is composed of eight items investigating attitude toward a secular State. The scale was tested on two university students' samples (200 Italian and 200 Spanish). A confirmatory factor analysis showed that the single factor structure of the scale fitted the data well. In order to test the concurrent validity, the following correlates were used: conservation, Catholic identity, political orientation, and desired status relation between State and Church. Results showed that desire to have a secular State negatively correlated with conservation and Catholic identity; moreover, the higher the desire to have a secular State, the higher the desired status of the State with respect to the Church, and the more the political orientation was left-wing. Finally, no correlation was found between the scale and social desirability. © 2012 Cises.

Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

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