The Power of Positive Thinking: How Positive Opinions of Refugees’ Impact on the Host Society Generate Positive Behavioural Intentions

Abstract Much prior research has focused on understanding how host nationals’ negative opinions of the impact migration and arriving communities affect their attitudes towards newcomers. Yet, role positive remained largely underinvestigated. The present study aims to move beyond intergroup paradigm contribute literature by examining whether refugees’ society are related behavioural intentions them. Specifically, investigated (1) mediating social proximity in relationship between readiness assist them (2) symbolic realistic threats as potential moderators that might influence this direct/indirect relationship. results provide initial evidence important community promoting newcomers via indirect association with closer proximity. Moreover, our findings suggest be particularly beneficial for nationals who perceive immigrants imposing a threat lives whole—individuals tend amongst most prejudice-prone resistant change.