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The Effects of Contact on Sexual Prejudice: A Meta-Analysis

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Abstract

A meta-analysis was conducted to examine the relationship between contact and sexual prejudice. A quantitative synthesis with 83 effect sizes from 41 articles, using mostly samples from the United States, showed a significant negative relationship between contact and sexual prejudice. Among six possible moderators tested (type of sexual prejudice scale used, correlational versus experimental studies, attitudes toward lesbians versus gay men, publication year, quality of study, and where study was conducted), three were shown to significantly moderate the relationship between contact and sexual prejudice. The relationship between contact and sexual prejudice varied as a function of the type of sexual prejudice measure used, the target group toward which the prejudicial attitudes were assessed, and where the study was conducted.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, Kansas State University, 499 Bluemont Hall, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA

    Sara J. Smith, Amber M. Axelton & Donald A. Saucier

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  1. Sara J. Smith
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  2. Amber M. Axelton
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  3. Donald A. Saucier
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Correspondence to Sara J. Smith.

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*denotes studies included in the meta-analysis

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Smith, S.J., Axelton, A.M. & Saucier, D.A. The Effects of Contact on Sexual Prejudice: A Meta-Analysis. Sex Roles 61, 178–191 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11199-009-9627-3

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