Navigating Affective Polarization: The Role of Topic Selection in Cross-Partisan Conversations

Abstract: Affective polarization, the growing animosity between Republicans and Democrats, may be mitigated through carefully designed cross-partisan conversations. This study explores how discussion topic selection shapes the depolarizing effects of these dialogues, using a sample of 800 participants paired for 10- to 15-minute cross-partisan video conversations. Topics varied in contentiousness, partisanship, and identity threat, while dyads were constructed to reflect differing levels of disagreement on the assigned topic. Affect toward out-partisans was measured pre- and post-conversation using feeling thermometers and trait ratings. All topics produced positive average effects on out-partisan affect, though outcomes varied significantly across and within topics.

Keywords: Intergroup Contact, Affective Polarization, Lab Experiment, Topic Selection