Boundary Conditions of Imagined Contact: Explicit and Implicit Prejudice toward Syrian Migrants in Türkiye
Abstract
This study examined the effects of imagined contact on explicit and implicit attitudes toward Syrian immigrants in Türkiye, a highly stigmatized group. Imagined contact has been proposed as an indirect strategy to improve intergroup relations, particularly where direct contact is limited. A total of 112 participants were randomly assigned to either an imagined positive interaction with Syrian immigrants (experimental group) or a neutral nature scenario (control group). Explicit attitudes were measured using a Feeling Thermometer, Social Distance Scale, and Attitudes Toward Refugees Scale, while implicit attitudes were assessed with an Implicit Association Test. Measures were administered at three time points within a 2 (group) × 3 (time) repeated-measures design. Results revealed no significant group × time interaction, indicating that imagined contact did not differentially influence attitudes compared to the control condition. However, a significant main effect of time emerged across both groups. Findings are discussed in relation to high baseline prejudice and possible measurement-related effects, highlighting boundary conditions of imagined contact in contexts characterized by entrenched negative attitudes.
Keywords
Destekleyen Kurum
Etik Beyan
Teşekkür
Kaynakça
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Ayrıntılar
Birincil Dil
İngilizce
Konular
Sosyal Psikoloji
Bölüm
Araştırma Makalesi
Yayımlanma Tarihi
19 Nisan 2026
Gönderilme Tarihi
14 Şubat 2026
Kabul Tarihi
9 Nisan 2026
Yayımlandığı Sayı
Yıl 2026 Sayı: 1