Abstract

Even though sexist comments and behavior occur frequently in everyday life, people do not often confront the individuals who are responsible. However, interpersonal bias confrontations can be powerful tools for reducing expressions of bias and norm setting. The current studies tested an intervention designed to increase confrontations by harnessing theory and research on what holds people back from confronting. We designed a half-hour intervention consisting of engaging and evidence-based videos on confronting bias and self-reflection exercises to increase personal relevance. The module aimed to boost confronting by intervening at multiple points of the decision-making process by increasing recognition of sexism, perceived responsibility for confronting, and evaluations that benefits are worth potential costs. Study 1 randomly assigned participants from the general U.S. population (N = 376) on Prolific to an intervention or control condition. Relative to control, the intervention increased knowledge about gender bias, self-efficacy to identify bias and confront, and perceived benefits of confronting. When evaluating hypothetical scenarios, the intervention group was more likely to overcome barriers and report intentions to confront. As Study 1 showed promising results for intentions to confront, we sought to replicate and extend the work by using a behavioral outcome in Study 2 (N = 450). Study 2 used a similar experimental design, but participants were additionally asked to watch a video containing gender bias and leave a comment. To assess change in behavior, we examined whether participants called out gender bias in the comment they left on the video. Study 2 results replicated Study 1 on several key outcomes, including perceived benefits of confronting and identifying gender bias. Other outcomes had significant intervention effects among undergraduate men but not undergraduate women. The intervention significantly increased men’s rate of calling out gender bias in the behavioral outcome, however, there were no differences for women. The intervention, while less effective for undergraduate women, consistently led to higher identification of gender bias and increased capacity to confront sexism, which could substantially decrease norms about expressing sexism in everyday life. By making barriers seem more manageable and providing actionable pathways toward confronting, our intervention empowered individuals to confront.

Committee Chair

Lori Markson

Committee Members

Calvin Lai; Christopher Rozek; Lori Markson; Patrick Hill; Seanna Leath

Degree

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Author's Department

Psychology

Author's School

Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Document Type

Dissertation

Date of Award

5-8-2025

Language

English (en)

Author's ORCID

https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0673-1560

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Available for download on Wednesday, May 06, 2026

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Psychology Commons

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