The prejudice habit-breaking intervention

Abstract Although individual-level bias confrontations have received considerable empirical attention, most group-based training confrontations (e.g., “diversity trainings”) are neither evidence-based nor rigorously assessed. In this chapter, we discuss the prejudice habit-breaking intervention, which is evidence-based like individual-level approaches, but, like group-based trainings, is not focused on responding to a particular instance of bias in the moment. Specifically, this training intervention helps egalitarian people to become (1) aware of, (2) concerned about, and (3) motivated to address their vulnerability to unintentional biases. The intervention teaches people that unintentional biases are like bad habits that can be overcome through sustained effort over time and provides evidence-based strategies to reduce unintentional biases. Across several randomized-controlled studies, the prejudice habit-breaking intervention has shown considerable promise for empowering people to address biases within themselves and in the world around them, with long-lasting effects.