Description: Self-disclosure has been identified as necessary for the development of friendship. Initial research has indicated that there may be significant differences in the self-disclosure patterns of Catholics and Protestants. This study aims to examine the content and pattern of inter- and intra-denominational disclosure, and the implications for relational development for students at the University of Ulster. University in Northern Ireland often provides the primary environment for interaction with members of the opposite denomination for those young adults who continue into higher education, and therefore offers a unique experimental situation for research.
This investigation will advise on the milieu necessary for effective
relational development between Catholics and Protestants. Research
will examine and manipulate contextual influences on the development
of friendship, and nature of change in behaviour and attitudes
towards members of the in and out group, and measure their impact
on the continuation of segregation. Conclusions will also be
drawn as to the impact of contact on dimensions of culture and
identity. The study will use established methods of self-report
questionnaire, focus group discussions, and experimental manipulation.
There are a number of agencies upon whose training and policies
this research may impact. The research will also advance theoretical
understanding of conflict and prejudice. The findings will inform
cross-community work, contact schemes, education systems, leisure
and public policy makers, on the maximisation of their potential
to integrate divided communities at a national and international
level. PSEP funding will contribute to financing a research assistant
for an 18 month period to facilitate data collection. Funding
will also be used to purchase equipment for the project. Results
will be disseminated in a series of publications and conference
presentations.
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