Long-term reduction in implicit race bias: A prejudice habit-breaking intervention

Long-term reduction in implicit race bias: A prejudice habit-breaking intervention

2012 November ; 48(6): 1267–1278. | Patricia G. Devine, Patrick S. Forscher, Anthony J. Austin, and William T. L. Cox
The study developed and tested a multifaceted intervention to reduce long-term implicit race bias. The intervention, based on the idea that implicit bias is like a habit, aimed to increase awareness of implicit bias, concern about its effects, and the application of strategies to reduce bias. In a 12-week longitudinal study, participants who received the intervention showed significant reductions in implicit race bias, with greater reductions among those who were concerned about discrimination and used the strategies. The intervention also increased participants' concern about discrimination and awareness of their personal bias. The control group showed no such effects. The findings suggest that the intervention can produce enduring reductions in implicit bias and highlight the importance of concern and strategy use in the bias-reducing process. Future research should explore the specific mechanisms through which the intervention works and how it can be improved.The study developed and tested a multifaceted intervention to reduce long-term implicit race bias. The intervention, based on the idea that implicit bias is like a habit, aimed to increase awareness of implicit bias, concern about its effects, and the application of strategies to reduce bias. In a 12-week longitudinal study, participants who received the intervention showed significant reductions in implicit race bias, with greater reductions among those who were concerned about discrimination and used the strategies. The intervention also increased participants' concern about discrimination and awareness of their personal bias. The control group showed no such effects. The findings suggest that the intervention can produce enduring reductions in implicit bias and highlight the importance of concern and strategy use in the bias-reducing process. Future research should explore the specific mechanisms through which the intervention works and how it can be improved.
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