What makes a conversation safe? Students perspectives on talking about ethnic-racial identity
| dc.contributor.author | Le-Ba, Kimberly | |
| dc.contributor.author | Costignan, Catherine | |
| dc.date.accessioned | 2026-04-23T17:53:07Z | |
| dc.date.available | 2026-04-23T17:53:07Z | |
| dc.date.issued | 2026 | |
| dc.description.abstract | The Canadian Multiculturalism Act affirms diversity, yet many remain uncertain about how to discuss race and ethnicity. Intergroup Contact Theory shows that interaction across groups can reduce prejudice, especially with equal status, shared goals, institutional support, and opportunities for exchange. Cultural socialization research finds that positive conversations about heritage with diverse peers encourage ethnic-racial identity (ERI) engagement. Although ERI dialogue can enhance self esteem and life satisfaction, colour-blind norms discourage engagement. Informal peer dialogue in universities - where students share equal status and common goals-offer a promising context yet fears of offending or being misunderstood inhibit participation. Avoidance of ERI conversations may be explained by Anxiety/Uncertainty Management (AUM) Theory which suggests that reducing anxiety and uncertainty increases willingness to interact with outgroups. This study examines these dynamics through four semi-structured focus groups where diverse participants discuss ERI in casual peer settings. Using micro interlocutor analysis with provisional and elaborative coding, the results expand AUM Theory to identify conditions that reduce anxiety and foster affirming dialogue. Findings inform peer-based interventions that promote inclusive ERI conversations and advance equity in higher education | |
| dc.description.reviewstatus | Reviewed | |
| dc.description.scholarlevel | Undergraduate | |
| dc.description.sponsorship | Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA) | |
| dc.identifier.uri | https://hdl.handle.net/1828/23710 | |
| dc.language.iso | en | |
| dc.publisher | University of Victoria | |
| dc.subject | intergroup contact | |
| dc.subject | cultural socialization | |
| dc.subject | AUM Theory | |
| dc.subject | ethnic-racial identity | |
| dc.subject | Jamie Cassels Undergraduate Research Awards (JCURA) | |
| dc.subject.department | Department of Psychology | |
| dc.title | What makes a conversation safe? Students perspectives on talking about ethnic-racial identity | |
| dc.type | Poster |