Imagining contact reduces prejudice in preschool children Author Michèle Birtel, Gian Di Bernardo, Sofia Stathi, Richard Crisp, Alessia Cadamuro, Loris Vezzali Publication Year 2019 Type Journal Article 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 John Wiley & Sons Ltd Keywords drawing, imagined contact, intergroup contact, preschool children Journal Social Development Volume 28 Pages 1054–1073 Type of Article Journal Article URL External link to reference DOI 10.1111/sode.12374 Full text Open access via the link provided. Type of Prejudice/Bias Ability Race/Ethnicity Country Italy Method Lab Setting Preschool/Day Care / Kindergarten Google ScholarDOIBibTeX