The Effect of Imagined Contact on Attitudes Towards Individuals with Mental Illness

Research has shown that interventions in which participants imagine a positive experience with an outgroup member can improve attitudes towards outgroup members. The current study examined whether a short-term imagined contact intervention with a peer displaying behaviors consistent with depression could affect individuals’ attitudes towards individuals who suffer from mental illness. Black and White college students (N = 124) imagined an interaction with a Black or White college student who either displayed or did not display behavior consistent with depression. Results indicated that although the race of the imagined partner did not affect attitudes, participants who imagined a positive interaction with a person with depressive symptoms had more positive attitudes towards individuals with mental illness than those who imagined an interaction with someone without depressive symptoms. This study suggests that a short exercise may improve positive attitudes towards individuals with mental illness.