This experimental study examined how justice-related cognitive styles (victim and perpetrator sensitivity, measured via the Justice Sensitivity Inventory) and exposure to daily injustice (audio-primed scenarios) affected interpersonal trust (Trust Game) and cooperation (Ultimatum Game) in 102 Arabic- and Farsi-speaking refugees resettled in Australia.
Victim sensitivity predicted lower trust (β = −0.244, p = 0.030); perpetrator sensitivity predicted greater trust (β = 0.312, p = 0.006). Being primed with daily injustice predicted less cooperative behavior (β = 0.302, p = 0.012). No significant interaction was found between injustice priming and cognitive style on either outcome.
- Cooperation analysis was underpowered (N = 69) due to participant time constraints, limiting sensitivity for that outcome. - Data collected in 2016 from a single cultural/linguistic group (Arabic/Farsi speakers in Australia), reducing generalizability. - Trust and cooperation were measured using hypothetical, anonymous economic games, which may not reflect real-world behavior.
Clinicians working with resettled refugees should assess both justice-related cognitive styles (especially victim sensitivity) and ongoing daily injustices as distinct targets — the first for trust difficulties, the second for reduced cooperation and engagement. Resettlement programs should work to reduce structural injustices (e.g., visa insecurity, discrimination) alongside offering individualized cognitive support.
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