The greatest magic of Harry Potter: Reducing prejudice Author Loris Vezzali, Sofia Stathi, Dino Giovannini, Dora Capozza, Elena Trifiletti Publication Year 2015 Type Journal Article Abstract Recent research shows that extended contact via story reading is a powerful strategy to improve out-group attitudes. We conducted three studies to test whether extended contact through reading the popular best-selling books of Harry Potter improves attitudes toward stigmatized groups (immigrants, homosexuals, refugees). Results from one experimental intervention with elementary school children and from two cross-sectional studies with high school and university students (in Italy and United Kingdom) supported our main hypothesis. Identification with the main character (i.e., Harry Potter) and disidentification from the negative character (i.e., Voldemort) moderated the effect. Perspective taking emerged as the process allowing attitude improvement. Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed in the context of extended intergroup contact and social cognitive theory. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Keywords immigrants, LGBTQ, refugees, group attitudes Journal Journal of Applied Social Psychology Volume 45 Pages 105–121 Type of Article Journal Article URL External link to reference DOI 10.1111/jasp.12279 Full text Open access via the link provided. Type of Prejudice/Bias Immigrants/Asylum Seekers/Refugees Country Italy Method Lab Setting Elementary School (Grades 1-5) Google ScholarDOIBibTeX