(Not) In my backyard! Threat perceptions, psychological well-being, and collective action against refugee settlement

Migration of refugees stands high on political as well as research agendas. This chapter provides an overview of the psychological variables that are important in shaping attitudes toward refugees, focusing on perceived threat against the self and the ingroup as a key variable. It considers how the (anticipated) settlement of refugees in residential neighborhoods and the potential experience of threat affect the psychological well-being of residents. The chapter then examines variables that are important in creating acceptance for the settlement of refugees in residents' "backyard". A growing body of research has documented various variables associated with attitudes toward refugees in Western countries. Given the increase of refugees and migration throughout the world, it is important to listen and learn from participants in the migration process: refugees and citizens and officials in the host country.