Differential impacts of face masks for threat evaluations of Asian versus Black faces

Wearing face masks to prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19 has the potential to impact social perception. In the present research, we explore differential consequences of wearing face masks for evaluations of Asian and Black faces. Drawing on theories of prejudice and differing stereotype content for Asian and Black people in the United States, we hypothesized that being depicted wearing a face mask would mitigate evaluations of threat more for Asian faces than for Black faces. Results of a 2 (mask status: face mask vs. no mask) x 3 (face race: Asian vs. Black vs. White) within-subjects design (n = 365) generally supported hypotheses. Additional analyses using normed ratings of face stimuli from the Chicago Face Database showed that Asian faces showed the greatest increase in threat evaluations compared to norming data. These results highlight the unique impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and related preventative health behavior on prejudice towards members of different racial groups.

Automated summary

This study examines the differential effects of wearing face masks on evaluations of Asian and Black faces. The findings suggest that wearing face masks can reduce threat evaluations towards Asian faces, and Asian faces are more likely to be perceived as threatening compared to other racial groups. These results highlight the unique impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and preventive health behavior on prejudice towards members of different racial groups.