Psychological Foundation Of Xenophobia

Abstract

Xenophobia is a multidimensional and multifaceted concept that cuts across many disciplines like Psychopathology, Social Psychology, Psychobiology, Sociology, Anthropology, Race & Racism, Nationalism, Human Geography, History, International Relations, Law, Economics and others. Each of these disciplines has its own special perspective on xenophobia. The aim of this chapter is to focus on the psychological perspective of xenophobia. The chapter will also examine those areas where the psychological perspective overlaps with the perspectives of some of these other disciplines. This chapter will therefore be devoted to highlighting the psychological concepts, characteristics, theories, causes, effects, assessment, clinical management and prevention of xenophobia. The policy implication of studying xenophobia will also receive attention.

IFE Psychologia – Special Issue: Xenophobia Vol. 16 (2) 2008: pp. 53-71