Examining the attitudes of Turkish adults towards Syrian children from the perspectives of intergroup contact theory and social identity theory

This thesis research aims to examine the attitudes of Turkish adults towards Syrian children and the variables influencing these attitudes within the framework of the Intergroup Contact Theory and Social Identity Theory. Studies have revealed that negative attitudes towards Syrian children are one of negative conditions to which Syrian children are exposed. The research hypotheses were tested with 254 participants (185 Female, 61 Male, Mage =28.04) through an online survey consisting of various scales. Results revealed that when a Turkish child exerts more effort to obtain the reward, Turkish adults tend to and consider it fair to distribute the reward based on the principle of equity. However, when a Syrian child exerts more effort to obtain the reward, they tend to and consider it fair to distribute the reward based on the principle of equality. In addition, social distance (more willingness to engage with Syrians through a variety of means), (positive) emotions toward refugee children, (higher) religiosity and parenthood (having a child) were positively associated; while (more) exposure to Syrian refugees and (higher) income were negatively associated with attitudes toward refugee children. Finally, group attachment was positively correlated with negative attitudes toward Syrian refugee children. Keywords: Syrian Children, Attitudes, In-group Favoritism, Intergroup Contact Theory, Social Identity Theory