Promoting Positive Attitudes toward Refugees: A Prejudice-Reduction, Classroom-Based Group Intervention for Preadolescents in Greece

ABSTRACT

The present study examined the effectiveness of a novel 6-session, prejudice-reduction group for Greek preadolescents. The sample consisted of 106 elementary school students aged 10–12 years, allocated to the intervention (n = 55) or control group (n = 51). Results indicated that, compared to the control group, participants in the intervention group showed more positive attitudes toward refugees as well as an increase in their general capacity for empathy. In addition, intervention group participants showed more tolerance and less xenophobia. Practical implications for the design and implementation of classroom-based, prejudice-reduction programs for older children are discussed.

KEYWORDS:

• Preadolescents
• refugees
• group
• prejudice-reduction
• intervention
• empathy

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephanos P. Vassilopoulos

Stephanos P. Vassilopoulos, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Counselling in the Department of Primary Education, University of Patras, Greece. He is also director of the Relational Dynamic Laboratory of Education and Counselling.

Andreas Brouzos

Andreas Brouzos, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of Primary Education at the University of Ioannina. He is also director of the Laboratory for Educational Psychology, Counseling and Research.

Eleni Kasapoglou

Eleni Kasapoglou is a graduate student in the Department of Primary Education at the University of Patras.

Ourania Nikolopoulou

Ourania Nikolopoulou is a graduate student in the Department of Primary Education at the University of Patras.