Leveraging Knowledge About Historical Diversity: A Meta-Analysis of Findings From the School of Dialogue Intergroup Intervention.

The School of Dialogue is an intergroup intervention based on active engagement with historical ethnic diversity (i.e., contact with a multicultural past). Importantly, the intervention aims to ameliorate ethnic Poles' attitudes toward Jews and improve levels of social capital (civic engagement and social trust) in Poland. We review and meta-analyze eight studies that evaluated the effects of the intervention conducted between 2012 and 2019 (Ntotal = 3,948). The results show that participation in the intervention contributes to building knowledge and interest in local history, more positive attitudes toward Jewish people, and toward ethnic diversity in general. Attendees of the program developed stronger place attachment and civic engagement intentions, but their general social trust and attitudes toward other ethnic outgroups (e.g., Roma people) remained unchanged. These results provide strong support that the School of Dialogue is an effective intervention that promotes positive intergroup relations as well as stronger and more active bonds with one's place of residence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Peace & Conflict is the property of American Psychological Association and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)