A Rewiew on the Secondary Transfer Effect of Intergroup Contact

Abstract

Research showed that intergroup contact could increase social cohesion with many positive changes such as improved positive attitudes and trust as well as a decreased threat towards the groups in contact. However, faceto- face contact may be impossible in societies where intergroup conflicts are prevalent and groups are ethnically, racially, and religiously segregated. In such societies, the indirect and transferable effects of contact can be an opportunity to benefit from the positive effects of contact. One of the transferable effects of contact is the secondary transfer effect. The secondary transfer effect (STE) refers to the generalisation of the effects of intergroup contact from the encountered outgroup to outgroups that do not involve in the contact situation. Therefore, it is a promising and effective strategy for prejudice reduction, particularly in ethnically, racially, and religiously segregated societies. In this article, we aim to review the STE literature and extend previous reviews by focusing on the problems in the STE. We first review evidence on the STE of positive versus negative contact, and then we highlight the relevant underlying mechanism of the phenomenon, i.e., mediators and moderators of the STE. Third, we underline the problems that may limit the robustness of the phenomenon and the research gap in the STE literature. Finally, in line with the current issues with the theory, research and practice, we present suggestions for future research.