Determining the effects of forgiveness and perspective taking on negative stereotyping towrads Syrian refugees

The aim of the present thesis was to experimentally examine the effects of forgiveness and perspective taking on negative stereotyping towards Syrian refugees. Also, it was aimed to be revealed the roles of apology, dispositional forgiveness, religiousness, and quality of contact with Syrian refugees in the relation between independent variables and negative stereotyping. Sample of this thesis consisted of a total of 123 undergraduate students aged 18-25 years. The participants were randomly assigned to 2 (forgiveness, no-forgiveness) X 2 (perspective taking of self, perspective taking of other) between-subjects design. GSR (Galvanic Skin Response) levels were recorded in order to test the effectiveness of the manipulations. Then, the participants respectively completed the following scales: Negative stereotyping index, manipulation control and related questions, PANAS, HFS, perspective taking subscale of interpersonal reactivity index, contact quantity scale, contact quality scale, and demographic information form. First of all, the manipulations was found to be successful. So, results of this thesis demonstrated that forgiveness is an effective to reduce negative stereotyping towards Syrian refugees for individuals who adhere more strongly to their religions and have had more positive contact with Syrian refugees. But, perspective taking was found as non-effective way to determine negative stereotyping towards Syrian refugees. Regression model of the thesis revealed that usage of less negative stereotypes towards Syrian refugees was predicted with higher-levels of dispositional forgiveness, religiousness, and the quality of contact. Also, the relationship between dispositional forgiveness and negative stereotyping towards Syrian refugees was found to be mediated by quality of contact, and also, moderated by apology behavior. These findings were discussed in the context of the growing literature on negative stereotyping, and related variables. Limitations of the present thesis and suggestions for the future studies were offered. Keywords: Prejudice, Stereotypes, Syrians, Forgiveness, Perspective Taking