03/31/2021
By Ivy Ho
The Department of Psychology invites you to attend a doctoral dissertation defense by Merve Armagan Bogatekin entitled “Narrative Analysis of Turkish Citizens’ Interactions with Syrian Refugees and an Evidence-Based Intervention Program Design.” The defense will be held on April 12, 2021 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Please contact Ivy Ho for meeting information if you are interested in attending.
Committee:
- Ivy Ho (Chair), Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
- Allyssa McCabe, Professor Emerita, Department of Psychology
- Jason Lawrence, Associate Professor, Department of Psychology
Abstract:
The number of refugees is increasing rapidly all over the world. The number of Syrian refugees, in particular, reached 6.3 million. This number is equal to almost one-third of the world's total refugee population and more than 3.5 million of them live in Turkey, which makes it the largest refugee host country in the world. Refugees have to cope with social factors such as lack of social support, integration, prejudice, racism and social exclusion. As a result, they face significant mental and physical health problems. This is a globally prevalent trend mainly because of being perceived as either a burden or a security threat. This dissertation explores intergroup relations dynamics in between Turkish citizens and Syrian refugees in Turkey, and designs an evidence-based and theory-driven intervention program to reduce prejudice and intergroup conflict and to improve intergroup relations in the country.