Does Touch Bring Us Closer? Exploring the Role of Physical Contact in Intergroup Contexts

The role of physical contact (PC) (e.g., touch) in interpersonal relationships is well documented, yet its effects in intergroup contexts remain underinvestigated. We examine whether positive intergroup physical contact (IPC) enhances perceived closeness with out-group members, measured as inclusion of the out-group in the self (IOS), and test its mediating role in improving intergroup attitudes. In Study 1 (longitudinal; N = 550), PC with foreign peers longitudinally predicted IOS. In Study 2 (cross-sectional; N = 377), PC with people with disabilities was associated with IOS, which in turn was linked to out-group attitudes. In Study 3 (experimental; N = 86), imagined PC with a gay man versus an uncategorized individual increased heterosexual individuals' IOS with gay men, which in turn improved out-group attitudes. Using multiple research methods and intergroup settings, we show that positive IPC improves attitudes towards the out-group by enhancing experienced closeness with out-group members.