Confidence in Contact: A New Perspective on Promoting Cross-Group Friendship Among Children and Adolescents

Intergroup contact theory (Allport, 1954) proposes that positive interactions between members of different social groups can improve intergroup relations. Contact should be especially effective in schools, where opportunities may exist to engage cooperatively with peers from different backgrounds and develop cross-group friendships. In turn, these friendships have numerous benefits for intergroup relations. However, there is evidence that children do not always engage in cross-group friendships, often choosing to spend time with same-group peers, even in diverse settings. We argue that in order to capitalise on the potential impact of contact in schools for promoting harmonious intergroup relations, a new model is needed that places confidence in contact at its heart. We present an empirically-driven theoretical model of intergroup contact that outlines the conditions that help to make young people ‘contact ready’, preparing them for successful, sustained intergroup relationships by giving them the confidence that they can engage in contact successfully. After evaluating the traditional approach to intergroup contact in schools, we present our theoretical model which outlines predictors of cross-group friendships that enhance confidence in and readiness for contact. We then discuss theory-driven, empirically tested interventions that could potentially promote confidence in contact. Finally, we make specific recommendations for practitioners and policy makers striving to promote harmonious intergroup relations in the classroom

Weight stigma is stressful. A review of evidence for the Cyclic Obesity/Weight-Based Stigma model

Weight stigma is highly pervasive, but its consequences are understudied. This review draws from theory in social psychology, health psychology, and neuroendocrinology to construct an original, generative model called the cyclic obesity/weight-based stigma (COBWEBS) model. This model characterizes weight stigma as a "vicious cycle" - a positive feedback loop wherein weight stigma begets weight gain. This happens through increased eating behavior and increased cortisol secretion governed by behavioral, emotional, and physiological mechanisms, which are theorized to ultimately result in weight gain and difficulty of weight loss. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the existing literature for evidence supporting such a model, propose ways in which individuals enter, fight against, and exit the cycle, and conclude by outlining fruitful future directions in this nascent yet important area of research

When is computer-mediated intergroup contact most promising? Examining the effect of out-group members' anonymity on prejudice

Computer-mediated intergroup contact (CMIC) is a valuable strategy to reduce negative sentiments towards members of different social groups. We examined whether characteristics of communication media that facilitate intergroup encounters shape its effect on out-group attitudes. Specifically, we propose that concealing individuating cues about out-group members during CMIC increases prejudice, as interaction partners are perceived as less socially present. To assess these hypotheses, we conducted two mixed-factorial experiments. Participants engaged in synchronous intergroup contact via text-chat with out-group members (Study 1) and a confederate (Study 2) who either shared or concealed their name and photo. Overall, CMIC reduced negative out-group sentiments. Study 2 showed, however, that out-group members' anonymity decreased perceived social presence, which was associated with less positive evaluations of the CMIC and higher prejudice. In conclusion, CMIC can contribute to conflict resolution interventions, preparing individuals for direct intergroup contact, if its affordances or conversation topics enhance interaction partners' social presence

A visual environment for rapid behavior definition

Behavior visualization, polymorphism ABSTRACT: We describe a visual framework that simplifies authoring of simulated behavior. This framework consists of a canvas depicting behavior as a finite state machine (FSM) graph, a palette of geometric objects and glyphs, and a dictionary of actions and predicates. The user defines a basic vocabulary of actions and predicates which appear as textual and geometric shapes on the canvas. The actions correspond to states in an FSM. Predicates are used to determine valid transitions between states. The basic model is extended in two major ways. First, behaviors are hierarchical in that they may invoke each other. Second, each behavior may have a number of specializations indexed through a descriptor hierarchy. These two extensions serve to encapsulate functionality, and to selectively specialize behavior whenever necessary without arduous re-modification of existing behavior. 1

Distributed Satellite Constellation Planning and Scheduling

SHAI is developing a software architecture for automated, distributed planning and coordination of constellations of satellites. This architecture allows large satellite constellations to manage themselves with minimal human oversight. SHAI is utilizing an integrated approach drawing upon a broad range of AI and non-AI techniques. Advanced planning and scheduling algorithms permit the system to quickly create complex plans satisfying intricate time and other constraints. A reactive planning component deals with unexpected, time-critical local events such as new critical tasks. In addition, a knowledge base stores information about the satellites ’ capabilities and commitments that is used during the distributed planning process to properly allocate tasks to the satellites best suited to perform them