Factors that predict attitudes toward Arabs: Personality, religiosity, level of perceived threat and level of media exposure

摘要

This study examined the effects of personality, religiosity, level of perceived threat and level of media exposure on attitude toward Arabs. Also, social distance, social desirability, sociopolitical views and general attitude were assessed. Participants (N = 216), most of which were Caucasian, Christian and educated, responded to an online survey. Results showed that the personality factors openness and agreeableness, religiosity and perceived threat were significantly related to attitude toward Arabs. Moreover, a new variable, "Arab Specific Prejudice" was developed after partialling out the effect of general attitude from attitude toward Arabs. The personality factor, extraversion , and age were significantly related to "Arab Specific Prejudice". A significant interaction was also found between sociopolitical views and openness in their relationship with attitude toward Arabs. The limitations of this study and the implications of these findings for clinical practice and future research are discussed.