Testing the Parasocial Contact Hypothesis Through Stand-Up Comedy

Abstract: The study examined how humorous parasocial contact can reduce prejudice toward outgroups. Study predictions were tested in an experiment ( N = 301) comparing the effects of a comedy stand-up by a Muslim comedian (Hasan Minhaj or Mohammed Amer) to a control condition a stand-up from a non-Muslim comedian (Brian Regan or Jim Gaffigan). Results indicated that humorous parasocial contact was effective at facilitating parasocial relationships in all conditions. Consistent with study predictions, when participants were exposed to the mediated intergroup contact with a Muslim comedian, parasocial relationships – mediated through intergroup anxiety – were positively associated with willingness for contacts with Muslims (i.e., negatively associated with social distance) and negatively associated with endorsement of Muslim stereotypes. In contrast, these mediational relationships were not observed when mediated intergroup contact occurred with a White comedian. These and other results are discussed along with implications, limitations, and future research directions.