Psychological Processes that Lead Individuals to Shift from Prejudice to Empathy Toward LGBT Communities
Prejudices are negative beliefs about people based on their membership in groups that are different from one's own. This can include groups based on gender, race, religion, nationality, physical attributes, social class, age, ability, education level, occupation, and many more. It is often caused by socialization processes such as stereotypes, discrimination, and stigma.
One way individuals can shift from prejudice to empathy toward LGBT communities is through contact theory. According to this theory, when people have personal contact with members of an outgroup, they will develop positive attitudes towards them.
If a straight person has a friend who is openly gay, they may start to see gay people as human beings rather than just a group to be feared or ridiculed. This is because they have had a chance to get to know someone personally and understand their individual experiences, feelings, and perspectives.
Another psychological process that leads to shifting from prejudice to empathy is cognitive dissonance reduction. When individuals hold conflicting beliefs or values, it causes tension or discomfort known as cognitive dissonance. To reduce this discomfort, they may adjust their beliefs or behaviors so that they align with each other.
If someone believes that homosexuality is immoral but also knows a gay couple, they might start to question whether their belief is actually correct. They may begin to reevaluate their understanding of sexual orientation and its implications for themselves and others.
Empathetic concern can also play a role in reducing prejudice. Empathetic concern involves putting oneself in another's shoes and imagining what it would feel like to experience their situation. When individuals experience empathy for the struggles faced by LGBT people, such as discrimination, harassment, violence, and rejection, they may become more willing to challenge societal norms and support equality.
Self-efficacy can promote change toward empathy. Self-efficacy refers to an individual's belief in their ability to make positive changes in their own behavior. If someone feels confident in their capacity to advocate for LGBT rights or take action against prejudice, they are more likely to do so. This sense of agency can come from personal experiences, witnessing social movements, or receiving support from friends and family who share similar views.
What psychological processes lead individuals to shift from prejudice to empathy toward LGBT communities?
According to research studies on prejudice reduction, there are several factors that can play a role in leading individuals to overcome their prejudices towards LGBT communities. One of these factors is increased contact with people who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender (LGBT) through personal relationships or media representations.