Contact theory works best as a staged, multi-level longitudinal model.

Evidence

Instead of a list of conditions, then, I propose a longitudinal model as schematically outlined in Figure 2. Note first that this version of intergroup contact theory involves the meso-level of analysis. Yet it is placed within the microand macrolevel contexts of (B) the participants’ experiences and characteristics as well as the larger societal setting of the situation. The basic features of this reformulated version consist of (A) the essential and facilitating situational factors and (C, D, E) the time dimension. — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Intergroup Contact Theory, 82

Categorization

• DEFINE: Reframes intergroup contact theory from Allport’s static list of conditions into a meso-level, time-aware model embedded in micro and macro contexts.
• XREF: Connects to systems/social-ecology thinking about nested levels of analysis (individual, situational, societal) familiar from sociology and public-health frameworks.