The causes and consequences of an avoidance-focus for interracial interactions

The current work examined the causes and consequences of non-Black peoples desire to avoid interracial interactions (an avoidance-focus). Expecting to respond with racial bias in interracial interactions was argued to result in an avoidance-focus for such interactions, which was hypothesized to have negative implications for the quality of interracial interactions. Across three studies, feedback indicating that non-Black participants would. respond with racial bias in interactions with Black people resulted in anxiety and the desire to avoid the interaction. hi addition, when participants with an avoidance-focus interacted. with a Black confederate (Study 2), they had shorter interactions that were rated as less pleasant by the confederate and participant as compared to those without an avoidance focus. Avoidance-focused, participants were less interested. in future interactions and came across as more avoidant and biased to their partner than Less avoidance-focused, participants. The findings are discussed in terms of their implications for racial relations.