This article meta-analyses the available data on attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers, with the aim of estimating effect sizes for the relationships between these attitudes and prejudice-relevant correlates. Seventy studies (Ntotal = 13,720) were located using systematic database searches and calls for unpublished data. In the case of demographic factors, being male, religious, nationally identified, politically conservative, and less educated were associated with negative attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.11, 0.17, 0.18, 0.21, and –0.16, respectively). For ideological factors, increases in right-wing authoritarianism and social-dominance orientations correlated with negative attitudes, while the endorsement of macro (but not micro) justice principles were associated with positive attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.50, 0.50, –0.29, and 0.00, respectively). Perceptions of refugees as symbolic and realistic threats were the strongest correlates of negative attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.98 and 1.11, respectively). These findings have contributed to the growing body of knowledge that endeavors to understand the antecedents of refugee-specific prejudice, and are discussed in light of the global refugee crisis.

This paper meta-analyses the available data on attitudes towards refugees and asylum seekers, with the aim of estimating effect sizes for the relationships between these attitudes and prejudice-relevant correlates. Seventy studies (Ntotal = 13,720) were located using systematic database searches and calls for unpublished data. In the case of demographic factors, being male, religious, nationally identified, politically conservative, and less educated were associated with negative attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.11, 0.17, 0.18, 0.21, & -0.16, respectively). For ideological factors, increases in right-wing authoritarianism and social-dominance orientations correlated with negative attitudes, while the endorsement of macro (but not micro) justice principles were associated with positive attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.50, 0.50, -0.29, & 0.00 respectively). Perceptions of refugees as symbolic and realistic threats were the strongest correlates of negative attitudes (Fisher’s zs = 0.98, & 1.11, respectively). These findings have contributed to the growing body of knowledge that endeavors to understand the antecedents of refugee-specific prejudice, and are discussed in light of the global refugee crisis.

Objective To systematically review existing research exploring the effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing symptoms of distress amongst refugee and asylum‐seeker children. Method Six databases were searched to identify English studies presenting original empirical quantitative data (published before September 2022) testing the efficacy of psychological interventions for children from refugee and asylum‐seeking backgrounds. Quality of studies were assessed through the Appraisal Tool for Cross‐Sectional Studies as well as the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Relevant data were extracted to facilitate a narrative synthesis. Results Seventy‐one eligible articles were identified (n > 10,000). A number of cognitive‐behavioral, psychosocial, and trauma‐focused interventions that catered specifically to children and their families were identified. A synthesis of these results suggest that interventions may assist in the reduction of various psychopathologies, although the effects were mixed across intervention types. Conclusions While the review yielded promising findings, most findings were derived from small pilot and empirical studies, leading to difficulties with drawing conclusions. There remains a need for studies using more rigorous research methodologies to expand and ratify this valuable knowledge base. Clinical significance: Forced displacement is at an all‐time high. Many children are being forced to seek asylum and refuge, and they become vulnerable to the development of poor mental health, with limited understanding surrounding how to appropriately intervene. This review aims to equip clinicians with increased knowledge and confidence in working therapeutically alongside clients from refugee or asylum‐seeking background, with the goal of fostering positive mental health and wellbeing.

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The United Nations Refugee Agency currently has registered approximately 178,990 asylum seekers, and refugees within Malaysia (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Figures at a glance in Malaysia, 2020b). Interestingly, while Malaysia allows for the registration of asylum seekers and refugees, it is not a signatory to the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees. As a result, refugees in Malaysia are not considered conceptually different from illegal immigrants, and therefore have precarious lifestyles while they await resettlement to a third country. Importantly, refugee children are barred from accessing the local education system in Malaysia, despite documented evidence surrounding the importance of education in the promotion of well-being and successful resettlement in refugee children. These children often end up relying on various volunteer-run schools that have been set up across the country. In order to better understand the barriers and facilitators of refugee education, this study employed the use of semistructured interviews with 10 volunteer teachers who teach Chin refugee children in Malaysia. A qualitative analysis was conducted using a grounded theoretical framework. Five major themes emerged from the analysis of the data: Language, Resources, Cultural Differences, Legal Status, and Experiences of Prejudice. The findings from this study contribute to an important, and growing body of research that aims to understand both the barriers and facilitators of refugee education. It is hoped that these findings provide future educators with confidence and skills in the provision of effective education to their students from refugee backgrounds.