The effects of perspective-taking on prejudice reduction among Thais: The moderating role of relational self-esteem

Abstract

Perspective-taking has successfully been used to reduce prejudice, especially when perspective takers have high self-esteem. However, only a few studies have been conducted to explore the effects of perspective-taking on reducing prejudice in Asian countries. This study investigated the moderating role of relational self-esteem on the effects of perspective-taking on prejudice reduction. In this study, high or low relational self-esteem was activated, and participants were either allocated in the perspective-taking manipulation group or the control group. The results showed that using perspective-taking techniques when individuals have high relational self-esteem increased, instead of decreased, prejudice toward homosexuality. This study showed that manipulating perspective-taking may present different results in different cultures.