Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to examine how aspects of social identity theory and
intergroup contact theory influenced participants’ preconscious neural activity when viewing
photos of differing racial combinations of same-sex male couples. Participants’ preconscious
neural activity was measured using Event-Related Potential (ERP) methodology. Participants
completed a feature detection task while viewing photo stimuli. Neural correlates associated with
preconscious social categorization of ingroup and outgroup populations, as measured by the
P200 and N200 components, were then analyzed. Results indicated that participants engaged in
preconscious categorization of all three types of photo stimuli, eliciting the largest P200
amplitudes when viewing photos of black gay couples, followed by black-white gay couples, and
producing the smallest P200 amplitudes when viewing white gay couples. Intergroup contact
with racial minorities was found to have a small, but positive relationship with the amplitudes of
the P200 and N200, providing preliminary evidence that intergroup contact with racial minorities
may impact how individuals categorize both ingroup and outgroup populations. Results of this
study can help mental health professionals to utilize a multicultural framework in their
therapeutic practice, as well as in the training of future mental health professionals.
