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Article
Getting acquainted in interracial interactions: Avoiding intimacy but approaching race
Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin (2009)
  • Camille Johnson, San Jose State University
  • M. A. Olson, University of Tennessee
  • R. H. Fazio, Ohio State University
Abstract

It is important to understand the content dimensions that influence the quality of intergroup interactions. The present research organized potential conversation content according to theoretically relevant underlying dimensions and investigated Whites' willingness to discuss topics of varying content with a Black partner. Specifically, it investigated Whites' willingness to engage in intimate self-disclosure and their willingness to discuss controversial and race-related topics with White versus Black interaction partners. Results across two experiments indicated an unwillingness among Whites to discuss both intimate and race-related topics with a Black partner. In addition, this research examined the role played by participants in the interaction (i.e., asking vs. answering) and found that although Whites were unwilling to ask Black relative to White partners about race-related topics, they were more willing to answer Black relative to White partners about such topics.

Keywords
  • intergroup interactions,
  • self-disclosure,
  • self-presentation,
  • computer-mediated communication
Publication Date
2009
Publisher Statement
SJSU users: use the following link to login and access the article via SJSU databases.
Citation Information
Camille Johnson, M. A. Olson and R. H. Fazio. "Getting acquainted in interracial interactions: Avoiding intimacy but approaching race" Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin Vol. 35 (2009)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/camille_johnson/11/