Page No.114-123
Gautam Gawali & Trinjhna Khattar
University of Mumbai, India
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The present study examined relationship between multicultural personality and attitude
towards religious diversity. Sample included 236 post-graduate students enrolled at
a university in India.Survey method was utilized wherein Multicultural Personality
Questionnaire measuring components of cultural empathy, open-mindedness, emotional
stability, flexibility and social initiative was used. An adapted version of Subscale 2 of
the Quick Discrimination Index was developed to measure Attitude towards Religious
Diversity.Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients revealed significant, positive
relationships between the five components of multicultural personality and attitude
towards religious diversity. A multiple regression revealed that open-mindedness and
flexibilitysignificantly predicted 11% of variance in positive attitude towards religious
diversity. This study concluded that peoplewho were accepting of and curious about
differing groups, their distinct cultural norms and values; and were ready to shift from
one strategy to another when interacting with people of different cultures, were likely to
favour religious diversity and welcome the same in interpersonal interactions.
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