Implications of Burdensomness Expectancies for Avoidance in Interracial Interaction

I proposed that burdensomeness expectancies are subtle concerns about bearing the burden of explanation on behalf of one's group that promote avoidance in interracial interactions. Two preliminary studies demonstrated that burdensomeness expectancies are a particular concern for Black/African American individuals and are related to avoidance of interracial contact. In Study 3, I examined whether burdensomeness expectancies could be alleviated and whether doing so would decrease Black participants' avoidance toward a White confederate. Participants viewed videos in which a White peer, with whom they expected to interact, expressed culturally sensitive or insensitive opinions. A control group saw a video in which the confederate did not discuss race. I assessed self-reported desire to avoid the interaction, avoidance-focused and approach-focused self-regulatory intentions, ratings of confederates, as well as participants' verbal and nonverbal approach-related behaviors in a video greeting they prepared. The manipulation failed to influence burdensomeness expectancies as intended and did not influence the dependent variables. Theoretical and methodological considerations for future work are discussed.