Information about immigrants' deservingness reduces misperceptions and opposition to immigration.

ABSTRACT: Anti-immigration attitudes remain widespread across Western societies, raising concerns for social cohesion. This study investigates whether correcting misperceptions about immigrants' perceived deservingness-using cues such as intent to contribute and efforts to overcome socioeconomic challenges-can counter anti-immigration prejudice. In study 1 (n = 480), a factorial survey experiment showed that low-status immigrants were viewed more favorably when they exhibited deservingness traits. Studies 2a (n = 1,506) and 2b (n = 1,255), conducted as 1-week longitudinal studies during the 2024 European and French parliamentary elections, revealed that an information treatment emphasizing deservingness cues strongly reduced misperceptions about immigrants, modestly reduced opposition

SUBMITTER: Sijilmassi A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12723658 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature