Researcher(s)
- Gharem Santos, Psychology, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Lisa Jaremka, Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware
- Maggie Bennekamper, Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
This is my updated abstract:STEM fields face disparities impacting LGBTQ+ professionals, limiting diversity and innovation. Motivating individuals who aren’t part of the LGBTQ+ community to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ causes is one potential solution to these disparities. Research suggests people are more likely to sacrifice for those they feel committed to. This study investigates whether feelings of commitment toward an LGBTQ+ individual influence willingness to support LGBTQ+ causes. We hypothesized that increasing non-LGBTQ+ individuals’ commitment through interactions would lead to greater support and willingness to sacrifice for LGBTQ+ causes.
We recruited 373 non-LGBTQ+ undergraduates from the University of Delaware, randomly assigning them to high or low commitment conditions. In the low commitment condition, participants viewed profiles of three highly compatible partners, while those in the high commitment condition saw one highly compatible and two less compatible partners. Participants then engaged in a virtual interaction where high commitment participants received friendly responses and low commitment participants received neutral responses. During the interaction, participants learned their fictitious partner was an LGBTQ+ member and part of oSTEM.
Satisfaction was measured as a manipulation check by asking participants to rate their agreement with the statement, “I feel satisfied with our interaction,” on a scale from 0 (Do not agree at all) to 8 (Completely agree). Results indicated that participants in the high commitment condition reported significantly higher satisfaction (M = 6.35 vs. M = 4.20, p < .001), confirming the effectiveness of the manipulation. Participants in the high commitment condition were also more willing to volunteer their time at an oSTEM fundraiser (p = 0.44). This finding underscores the importance of fostering interpersonal commitment to enhance support for LGBTQ+ causes, thereby addressing disparities and promoting inclusivity in STEM fields.