Refugee Psychology and its Potential for Refugee Radicalization
Abstract
The goal of this project is to understand refugee psychology, including refugeesÕ potential vulnerability to violent extremism. Toward this aim, this research utilizes a mixed-methods approach that involves both quantitative and qualitative methodologies, namely, focus groups, longitudinal surveys, and survey feedback meetings. This work will leverage our expertise and draw on our prior research on (1) radicalization (Kruglanski et al., 2009, 2013, 2014, 2017), (2) immigrantsÕ acculturation (Kosic & Kruglanski, 2004), (3) immigrant radicalization (Lyons-Padilla et al., 2016), as well as (4) our specific pilot work on Syrian refugees in Jordan and Lebanon. The sampling design will include refugees of two different ethnicities (Syrian, Iraqi) in two Middle Eastern (Lebanon, Jordan) and two European (Germany, Spain) host countries. The underlying scientific strategy of this project encompasses three intertwined thrusts. Thrust 1 will explore refugeesÕ motivational structure, namely the relative predominance in their minds of basic needs (for survival, safety and security), epistemic needs (for certainty), and significance needs (for mattering, respect, social standing) as they determine refugeesÕ psychological states and relate to their possible inclination toward extremism. This thrust also focuses on the predominance of these motives as it may vary across the cultural contexts that differ in their strength of social norms and tolerance for deviant behavior (i.e., norms of tightness-looseness; Gelfand et al., 2011). Thrust 2 will investigate the reciprocal spiral of radicalization that may evolve between refugeesÕ attitudes and those of local members of the host communities. Thrust 3 will explore policy implications of the research findings and the formulation of interventions intended to ameliorate tensions and facilitate productive interactions between the refugee and the host communities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 14, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1810088
Entities
People
- Arie W. Kruglanski
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- Office of the Secretary of Defense
- University of Maryland