The Impact of Multiple Cultural Exposure on Human Psychology         

Under an unprecedented rate of globalization, we are encountering people, behaviors, and events from other cultures constantly. This talk will focus on how people react and adapt to increasing globalization and multiculturalism. We posit that reactions to multiculturalism and intercultural contact are not universal, and are themselves shaped by cultural experiences. That is, culture provides a frame of reference for reconciling and negotiating the inflow of foreign cultures and peoples. Although exposure to foreign cultures can widen one’s worldview, thereby enhancing creativity and reducing prejudice, intercultural contact can also bring about negative exclusionary responses such as aversion, disgust, and defensiveness. In the talk, I will discuss empirical findings (many of which were revealed from studies conducted in Singapore) that showcase the benefits and challenges of multicultural exposure, and individual differences in critically shaping reactions to intercultural contact.