The Color of Family: Schema’s Prediction of Perceived Realism Judgments of Transracial Adoption Portrayals

Abstract

As entertainment media contains a growing number of transracial adoption portrayals, it becomes necessary to consider how such depictions are cognitively processed and what intrapersonal factors are likely to shape such processing. This survey (N = 602) examines the relationship between White and Black emerging adults’ schema about transracial adoption and their perceptions of realism of transracial adoption portrayals. Results indicate a significant, positive relationship between attitudes toward transracial adoption and perceptions of realism. While higher levels of trait empathy significantly strengthened this relationship, participant race was not found to be a significant moderator. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Keywords

entertainment media perceived realism schema trait empathy transracial adoption

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