Linda R. Tropp

Uses survey data and in-depth interviews with Mexican and Indian immigrants in Atlanta and Philadelphia to examine how interactions between immigrants and the U.S.-born contribute to immigrant integration. Discusses when immigrants feel welcomed by U.S.-born Whites and Blacks, they report higher levels of trust in and greater interest in knowing Whites and Blacks, plus higher civic involvement.

Takes a relational lens to examine how contact between U.S.-born Blacks and Whites shapes both groups’ attitudes toward immigrants. Draws on an original representative survey in Atlanta and Philadelphia, we show that when Whites have more frequent contact with Blacks, they are more receptive toward both Mexican and South Asian Indian immigrant newcomers

Proposes that the positive effect of extended contact can occur even when the ingroup members having outgroup friends are unknown to the individual who becomes aware of such contact – depersonalized extended contact.

Provides a theoretical overview and frame to explain why intergroup contact may enhance commitment to racial justice and equality among members of historically advantaged groups.

Summarizes key strategies and insights for academic psychologists to enhance their ability to share research findings with policymakers, journalists, and other non-academic audiences.

Synthesizes a half-century of research showing when and how interactions between members of different groups are likely to contribute to lower intergroup prejudice.

Addresses the issue of process: just how does contact diminish prejudice? Tests meta‐analytically the three most studied mediators: contact reduces prejudice by (1) enhancing knowledge about the outgroup, (2) reducing anxiety about intergroup contact, and (3) increasing empathy and perspective taking. Tests reveal mediational effects for all three of these mediators.