Applying acceptance, mindfulness, and values to the reduction of prejudice: a pilot study

Behav Modif. 2007 Jul;31(4):389-411. doi: 10.1177/0145445506298413.

Abstract

Two classroom approaches to reducing racial and ethnic prejudice among college students were compared: a class session based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and an educational lecture drawn from a textbook on the psychology of racial differences. Undergraduates who were enrolled in two separate classes on racial differences were exposed to each approach in a counterbalanced order. Results indicate that only the ACT intervention was effective in increasing positive behavioral intentions at post and a 1-week follow-up. These changes were associated with other self-reported changes that fit with the ACT model. Implications of a potentially new model of prejudice are briefly discussed.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Behavior Therapy / methods*
  • Cultural Diversity
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pilot Projects
  • Prejudice*
  • Social Desirability*
  • Social Values*
  • Students / psychology*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Teaching / methods