Intergroup Contact, Generalized Trust, and Intergroup Trust: A Study of Social Mixing Programs in Turkey

Presenter

Adina Franca Covic

Campus

UMass Amherst

Sponsor

Linda R. Tropp, Department of Psychology, UMass Amherst

Schedule

Session 1, 10:30 AM - 11:15 AM [Schedule by Time][Poster Grid for Time/Location]

Location

Poster Board A99, Campus Center Auditorium, Row 5 (A81-A100) [Poster Location Map]

Abstract

The erosion of trust in regions marked by historical conflicts and significant immigration is an ongoing challenge, necessitating a deeper understanding of how intergroup contact can shape social dynamics. The unique challenges posed by the recent influx of Syrian refugees in Turkey, including social tensions and language barriers, make this study particularly timely. The present research examined the potential of intergroup contact to increase levels of trust and to determine how feelings of security may shape contact’s effects on trust. In this work, I examine two types of trust: Generalized trust refers to participants' trust toward people in general, whereas intergroup trust refers to trust toward specific social groups. I also consider people's feelings of safety and security as moderators of the association between intergroup contact and each type of trust. To address these research aims, surveys were collected from Syrian refugees and Turkish society members (N = 90) before and after they participated in social mixing programs implemented by the International Organization for Migration in Turkey. Initial findings suggest that intergroup contact programs can affect levels of trust of different subgroups within the participant populations. Additionally, qualitative analysis revealed nuances in experiences of trust and feelings of safety and security among program participants.

Keywords

Conflict, Global Research, Peace building

Research Area

Social Psychology

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