![Maltese Less Likely To Help Syrian Or Somalian Refugee Over Ukrainians](https://maltadaily.mt/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/migrantweb.jpg)
A study by the Open University indicates that Maltese respondents exhibit a greater willingness to assist refugees from Ukraine compared to those from Syria or Somalia. The research unveils heightened negative emotions towards non-European refugees, fostering prejudice and diminishing the inclination to help them.
Sharon Xuereb, a staff tutor in psychology and counselling at the Open University, explains that Ukrainians receive more positive perceptions due to prevailing political discourse and their legal refugee status in Europe.
In contrast, asylum seekers from other countries face limited legal options, potentially resorting to illegal routes, which impacts public perception.
The study involved 287 participants in Malta and the UK, focusing on perceived threat, prejudice, emotions, and attitudes towards helping asylum seekers from Ukraine, Syria, and Somalia.
Results indicate that European adults exhibit less positivity towards asylum seekers who are culturally distant and non-white.
Compared to the UK, Maltese participants expressed higher levels of negative emotions (Malta: 11.92 out of 56, UK: 10.50), perceived threat (Malta: 13.57 out of 42, UK: 11.85), and prejudice (Malta: 19.24 out of 56, UK: 15.48).
Examining the Maltese scores, it was found that in terms of ‘negative emotions’, Maltese respondents scored an average of 10.09 out of 56 points towards Ukrainians. This score increased to 12.57 for Syrians and 13.24 for Somalis. Regarding ‘perceived threat’ measured on a 42-point scale, the average score for Ukrainians was 12.44, while for Syrians it was 14.62, and for Somalis, it was 13.75.
Maltese participants reported higher levels of negative emotions, perceived threat, and prejudice compared to their UK counterparts. The study reveals a preference for white European asylum seekers and suggests that less familiar cultures and religious differences may be perceived as more threatening.
Perceived threat and negative emotions were found to correlate with higher prejudice, resulting in reduced willingness to help. Conversely, positive emotions led to lower prejudice and a greater willingness to offer assistance.
Check out the full study here.
#MaltaDaily