Living with an other-race roommate shapes Whites' behavior in subsequent diverse settings

In a multi-phase research design over two academic semesters, White college students assigned to either a same-race or other-race roommate were tracked across two survey phases and a third phase involving an interracial interaction with a Black stranger. After four months, Whites who lived with an other-race roommate came to have more diverse friends and believe that diversity was more important than did Whites with a White roommate. After six months, self-reports, partner ratings, and nonverbal behavior indicated that Whites with an other-race roommate were less anxious, more pleasant, and more physically engaged during a novel interracial interaction. These results demonstrate that residential contact with other-race individuals not only affects race-related attitudes, but can also reduce interracial anxiety and positively influence behavior in subsequent diverse settings.

► We examine White college students assigned to a same-race or other-race roommate. ► Across three phases in one year we track changes in racial attitudes and behavior. ► We explore whether roommate exposure transfers to future interracial interactions. ► Results show that living with an other-race roommate affects racial attitudes. ► Findings also show it positively influences behavior in future diverse settings.