A post-Brexit intergroup contact intervention reduces affective polarization between Leavers and Remainers short-term.

ABSTRACT: With mounting evidence of the harmful societal consequences of affective polarization, it is crucial to find ways of addressing it. Employing a randomized controlled trial, this study tested the effectiveness of an intervention based on theories of intergroup contact and interpersonal communication in reducing affective polarization in the context of Brexit. Participants were 120 UK self-identified Leavers and Remainers. Sixty Leaver-Remainer dyads were randomized to engage in either a facilitated intergroup interaction or a control interaction, which was equivalent in structure and tone but was unrelated to Brexit identities. Different aspects of affective polarization were assessed one month prior, immediately after, and one month after the intervention. Results indicate that the interve

SUBMITTER: Tausch N 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11473807 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature