Does the Presence of Immigrants Increase Perceived Threat? An Examination through Experimental Games

Abstract

Perceived threats from immigrants have been associated with heightened anti-immigrant attitudes among host country citizens (Esses et al., 2001, 1998). However, most studies have focused on assessing attitudes using scales, with few investigating behavioral responses. This study developed a new experimental game based on the Preemptive Strike Game (Simunovic et al., 2013) to measure reactions to perceived threats of immigrant attacks. A sample of Japanese participants (N = 1,153; pre-registered) was divided into two groups: one group faced a Japanese opponent (Japanese condition), whereas the other faced an immigrant opponent (Immigrant condition). The results did not show a significant increase in defensive behaviors toward immigrants. However, at a descriptive level, the findings suggest the potential for defensive behaviors to arise from perceived threats. The study discusses the implications for future research including the need to accurately identify threat-induced behaviors.