Intergroup Emphathy Levels of Turkish and Syrian Primary School Students from the Perspective of School Psychological Counselors

Abstract

Purpose of the study was to examine, through school psychological counselors’ perspective, the extent to which Turkish and Syrian primary school students show empathy towards each other. The study utilized qualitative research method. Interviews were conducted with 40 school counselors (8 males, 32 females). Friendship relations between Turkish and Syrian primary school students were found to influence the feelings and behavior of the students upon seeing a friend from the other group who was troubled, wronged and saddened. At the same time, proficiency in a common language, communication, intergroup contact and friendship were found to determine the quality and quantity of empathy between students from different social identities. Finally, the most fundamental result is that Turkish and Syrian students were more sensitive and more helpful and supportive of the hardships, wrongful treatment and sadness they experience if there was friendship, fondness, communication and a positive view of each other.