Attitudes(Globalization/physical and mental health)

Define

In the context of globalization, attitudes refer to an individual’s learned evaluations or beliefs about other people, groups, cultures, or social practices, shaped by exposure to global influences such as media, migration, education, or intergroup contact. These attitudes can affect physical and mental health outcomes—either by promoting acceptance and well-being, or by increasing prejudice, discrimination, and associated stress or identity struggles. Globalization often leads to cultural mixing and social change, which can shift attitudes toward others (e.g., immigrants, religious groups) and toward the self (e.g., body image, cultural belonging).

Study 1

🎯 Aim

To investigate the relationship between knowledge about Islam, personal contact with Muslims, and perceived threat toward Muslims among Czech and Slovak university students—especially in a context with low exposure to Muslim communities due to limited immigration.

🧪 Method

This was a correlational study using surveys distributed to 716 second- and third-year undergraduate students from seven universities in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. A stratified random sample ensured representation of social science, technology, and natural science students according to their actual proportions in the university population. Participants completed a survey divided into four sections: 1) knowledge about Islam, 2) subjective views of Muslims, 3) geographic knowledge of the Islamic world, and 4) personal characteristics. Most students reported little personal interaction with Muslims—only 10% had a Muslim friend and 23% had ever met someone who is Muslim.

📊 Findings

The study found a negative correlation between knowledge of Islam and perceived threat—participants who knew more about Islam felt less threatened by Muslims. Similarly, those who had more personal contact with Muslims or had traveled to Muslim countries also reported lower levels of threat. These findings suggest that education and contact reduce prejudice, supporting the idea that ignorance and lack of exposure may contribute to intergroup fear and stereotyping.

Study 2

🎯 Aim

To investigate whether increasing contact between international students (Malaysian) and domestic Australian students in university dormitories could lead to greater intercultural acceptance and understanding.

🧪 Method

The study was conducted in two university dormitories over a 7-month period. One dormitory (Hall I) participated in an intervention program designed to promote intentional interaction between Malaysian and Australian students. Hall I housed 76 students (46 international, 30 Australian). The other dormitory (Hall C), which had 71 students (32 international, 39 Australian), served as a control group with no intervention. Researchers used a pre- and post-intervention questionnaire to assess levels of international understanding.

📊 Findings

The students in Hall I, where contact was promoted, showed increased levels of intercultural acceptance and engagement after the program. In contrast, no significant changes were found in the control group. The study supports contact theory, suggesting that structured intercultural interactions can effectively reduce prejudice and promote tolerance among university students.

Conclusion

Both Novotny & Polonsky (2011) and Nesdale & Todd (2010) demonstrate how globalization-related processes, such as intercultural exposure and contact, can significantly shape attitudes toward out-groups. Novotny & Polonsky’s study highlights how a lack of knowledge and minimal contact with Muslims in post-communist European societies can lead to heightened perceptions of threat—showing that limited exposure in a globalizing world may reinforce prejudice and fear. In contrast, Nesdale & Todd’s study shows how structured and prolonged intercultural contact can actively reduce prejudice and foster tolerance and acceptance. Together, these studies support the theory that education and meaningful interaction are key to shaping more positive intergroup attitudes in an increasingly interconnected global society—contributing to both mental health and social cohesion.