Four conditions plus friendship potential are essential, not sufficient, for positive contact.

Evidence

(A) From the previous discussion, the theory posits Allport’s four conditions and friendship potential as essential situational factors for positive intergroup outcomes—less negative stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination. An array of additional factors, such as equivalent group status outside the situation, act as facilitating factors for such effects. Complicating the picture further, such factors might prove important at different stages of the intergroup contact. — Thomas F. Pettigrew, Intergroup Contact Theory, 83

Categorization

• DEFINE: Distinguishes ‘essential’ situational factors from merely ‘facilitating’ ones — a useful analytic split for evaluating contact interventions.
• QUESTION: If factors matter at different stages, which conditions dominate early versus late in a contact relationship? This seems researchable.