Psychology

Priming effects of a reconciliation radio drama on historical perspective-taking in the aftermath of mass violence in Rwanda

Document Type

Article

Abstract

A field experiment in Rwanda investigated the impact of a radio drama designed to increase perspective-taking with regard to the history of intergroup conflict. An audio-based priming technique was used to assess the causal impact of the radio drama. Rwandan participants (N= 842) listened to an audio-delivered questionnaire recorded either in the voice of a main character of the radio drama (experimental priming condition) or an unknown actor (control condition). Participants primed with the radio drama reported higher levels of historical perspective-taking, engaged less in competitive victimhood, and expressed less mistrust toward the out-group. Overall, the findings suggest that fictional radio dramas can be used to address opposing historical narratives in the aftermath of violent conflict. Additionally, the study demonstrates the usefulness of a priming paradigm to assess causal influence of mass media interventions. © 2012 Elsevier Inc.

Publication Title

Journal of Experimental Social Psychology

Publication Date

2013

Volume

49

Issue

1

First Page

144

Last Page

151

ISSN

0022-1031

DOI

10.1016/j.jesp.2012.08.011

Keywords

intergroup conflict, mass media, perspective-taking, reconciliation, victimhood

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