Positive and negative extended contact and contact intentions towards sexual minorities in China: The mediational role of perceived group norms, intergroup anxiety and intergroup trust

The present study (N = 1,019, 51% females) explores the role of positive and negative extended contact as predictors of willingness for future cross-group interactions in the context of the relationship between heterosexuals and sexual minorities in China. Results revealed that positive extended contact was more prevalent and more strongly associated with contact intentions than negative extended contact. Central to our hypotheses, both positive and negative extended contact were indirectly associated with higher or lower contact intentions, respectively, via the sequential mediation of perceived group norms, and intergroup anxiety and trust. These findings deepen our understanding of how to foster the willingness to engage in contact with members of sexual minorities.