The ongoing conflict in Syria provides a critical opportunity for political scientists to understand what it will take for the rest of the world to adopt inclusionary behavior toward refugees and encourage governments to help those seeking asylum. Millions of Syrians have fled the country or are displaced within Syria’s borders.

In the US, researchers conducted a nationally representative survey in the weeks leading up to the 2016 presidential election to find out whether perspective-taking — an exercise that asks participants to see things from someone else’s viewpoint — would increase the likelihood of them writing an anonymous letter to the White House in support of Syrian refugees.

Americans who participated in the perspective-taking exercise answered three questions:

1. Imagine that you are a refugee fleeing persecution in a war-torn country. What would you take with you, limited only to what you can carry yourself, on your journey?
2. Where would you flee to or would you stay in your home country?
3. What do you feel would be the biggest challenge for you?

Research Findings

20.8 percent of Americans who participated in the perspective-taking exercise opted to write a supportive letter to the White House, compared to 18.8 percent who didn’t take the exercise.

The results of the study show that perspective-taking can make a difference in a person’s willingness to take action for a vulnerable group.

Importantly, the effects of perspective-taking were the strongest among those who already held positive attitudes toward refugees, suggesting that perspective-taking doesn’t necessarily change opinions but rather nudges people to act.

It is a useful strategy for political activists seeking to redirect public debate on refugees. The most popular online petitions to Presidents Obama and Trump to increase US commitments to accept refugees target between 75,000 and 100,000 signatures. Our research suggests Americans who are asked to relate their own experiences to those of a refugee might be more willing to sign.

Melina Platas is an assistant professor of political science at NYU Abu Dhabi.