Comparing UK Public Attitudes Towards Stateless People, Asylum Seekers, and Refugees: A Network Analysis of Sociopolitical and Psychological Factors

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Background: Research suggests that negative public attitudes towards asylum seekers and refugees are a risk factor for their poor mental health. This study aimed to examine attitudes (and predictors of these) of the UK public towards stateless people. Method: A cross-sectional quantitative survey involving a UK sample (n = 385) was conducted. Network analysis was employed to model associations between social policy attitudes and predictors including sociopolitical (political orientation, contact with migrant groups, personal migration experience), and psychological factors (prejudice, interpersonal style, perceived threat of migrants). Results: Results indicated a lack of public understanding of statelessness, and that social policy attitudes towards stateless people were associated with those towards asylum seekers, but not refugees. Attitudes towards stateless people were more restrictive and were associated with higher prejudice, and greater perceived threat.Conclusion: This study highlights the need for policies attending specifically to stateless people to reduce discrimination and facilitate integration.