The influence of communication tactics on helping syrian refugees : Does common ingroup identification and empathy for the outgroup have a positive effect on helping behavior?

Todays’ refugee crisis causes enormous diversity in societal attitudes about migration. World leaders are making strong pleas for European unity and demand that Europe steps up to help the millions displaced. The present study tested whether several communication strategies positively influenced helping behavior toward refugees originating from Syria. In particular, we examined the effect of common ingroup identification as well as the experience of empathy and their interaction on willingness to help and help in the form of a monetary donation. Also underlying psychological processes that may enhances these relationships were tested.