Publication Date

2025

Advisor(s) - Committee Chair

Katrina Burch, Reagan Brown, Aaron Wichman

Degree Program

Department of Psychological Sciences

Degree Type

Master of Science

Abstract

This thesis investigates the relationships between bias awareness, motivation to respond without prejudice, racialized attitudes, and diversity initiative fatigue (DIF) among employees within an academic setting, specifically focusing on faculty and staff at Western Kentucky University. Data were collected through a survey-based approach to measure these constructs and assess their relationships. This study hypothesized that bias awareness negatively correlates with DIF and motivation to respond without prejudice mediating this relationship. Furthermore, the research examines how racialized attitudes moderate the relationship between bias awareness and motivation to respond without prejudice. By examining these relationships using a moderated mediation model, the study seeks to provide insights into understanding and addressing DIF. Results indicated that bias awareness had a significant negative relationship with DIF. Internal motivation to respond without prejudice partially mediated this relationship, but only at mean levels of racialized attitudes. Supplementary analysis revealed that the direct negative effect of bias awareness on DIF was strongest for individuals with high levels of colorblind racialized attitudes. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed, as well as future directions of the research topic.

Disciplines

Industrial and Organizational Psychology | Organizational Behavior and Theory | Organization Development | Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences | Social Psychology

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