Is Involvement Effective? A Case Study of Exchange Programs' Influence on Mainland Chinese Communications Major Exchange Students' Support for Taiwan.

This study examines the effectiveness of the "Cross-Strait Mass Communication Graduate Students Forums," an exchange program commissioned by Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council (MAC), in shaping mainland Chinese communication students’ support for Taiwan after their return to China. Integrating factors such as academic and social involvement, patriotism, animosity, Taiwan image, and political familiarity, the research found that higher involvement in the program positively influenced support for Taiwan and reduced animosity, while also unexpectedly increasing patriotism, which in turn heightened animosity and decreased support. The findings suggest that although the exchange programs promote mutual understanding and support for Taiwan to some extent, participants develop coping mechanisms to balance conflicting patriotic feelings and political sensitivities. The study highlights the complex interplay between social contact and national identity in politically sensitive cross-strait relations and recommends enhancing cross-group interactions in exchange programs to foster more positive outcomes.