The Refugee Crisis: The Response of Mental Health Professionals to Syrian Asylum-seekers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the reactions to potential refugee admissions based on the ethnic or religious identity of the refugee. Graduate students (n = 242) enrolled in psychology, counseling, social work, and other fields related to mental health were surveyed about their opinion regarding asylum for the described refugee using a series of vignettes and questionnaires. Results were compared against the diversity experiences and orientation while controlling for self-enhancing response patterns. Results indicated that perceptions of the refugee were not significantly different based on their religious or ethnic origins, and the study sample was generally favorable of admitting refugees based on the descriptions provided in the vignettes. Implications for multicultural training are discussed.