Author ORCID Identifier
https://orcid.org/%200000-0003-0701-2066
Defense Date
2024
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctor of Philosophy
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Dr. Cecelia Valrie
Second Advisor
Dr. Jody Davis
Third Advisor
Dr. Kirk Warren Brown
Fourth Advisor
Dr. Daniel R. Berry
Fifth Advisor
Dr. Jeffrey Green
Abstract
Based on social identity theory and intergroup emotions theory, individuals feel for and act toward others based on their group-based social identities. Recent research shows that mindfulness can enhance prosocial responses toward others across group divides. The current research examined the effects of mindfulness training on prosocial behavior in intergroup relations where such behavior is difficult (e.g., with marginalized or devalued social groups). The study also examined potential mechanisms, namely state empathic concern and appraisal, that may explain how mindfulness increases prosocial behavior toward outgroups. This study compared the effects of a 2-week mindfulness training to a matched coping training control and a waitlist control condition on participants’ outgroup altruism and support for outgroup immigration. Adult college students were recruited via SONA. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (mindfulness training (MT), coping training (CT) control, and waitlist control) and responded to prosocial response measures pre- and post-intervention. The hypothesis that mindfulness training would increase prosocial behavior toward the ethnic outgroup more than the control conditions was not supported. The hypothesis that state empathic concern and appraisal would mediate the mindfulness – intergroup prosociality relation was also not supported. Social identification moderated the relationship between condition (MT vs. CT) and support for outgroup immigration. Specifically, at medium and high levels of social identification, MT had a stronger positive impact on support for outgroup immigration, whereas at low level of social identification CT had a stronger positive impact. The study advanced our understanding of (a) the effects of mindfulness training on prosocial behavior toward other social groups and (b) the mechanisms underlying mindfulness and intergroup prosociality.
Rights
© Denise Yiran Zheng
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
4-24-2024