An exploration of the predictors of prejudice among university students with and without headcover

Abstract

The present study examined the predictors of prejudice between students with and without headcover based on the assumptions of the Integrated Threat Theory (ITT; Stephan & Stephan, 1993). A total of 133 female students with and without headcover at two Turkish universities participated in the study. The results of the study supported all of the predictions based on the assumptions of the ITT, except for the relationship between negative contact and prejudice. Those who perceived higher realistic and symbolic threats, had higher intergroup anxiety, stereotyped the outgroup more negatively, had higher in-group identification, perceived more status differences, and perceived more intergroup conflict were more prejudiced towards the out-group. Those who were in higher intergroup contact and were closer with members of the outgroup were less prejudiced. The study failed to find a significant relationship between negative contact and prejudice.