The Psychological Impact of Fear and Insecurity on Prejudiced Attitudes
Abstract: The present study examined the relationship between fear and insecurity and prejudiced attitudes among young adults. The study focused on whether experiences of uncertainty, perceived vulnerability, concerns about personal safety and financial security, cultural identity, social change, and unfamiliar situations were associated with prejudiced attitudes toward individuals from unfamiliar or different backgrounds. A quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional correlational design was adopted. Participants were young adults aged 18-30 years recruited through purposive sampling using an online questionnaire. Although 154 responses were received, 146 complete responses were retained for analysis. Data were collected using a demographic data sheet, a 20-item Fear and Insecurity Scale (FIS), and a 15-item General Prejudiced Attitudes Scale (GPS). Descriptive statistics, Cronbach's alpha, normality testing, and Pearson product-moment correlation were used. The FIS demonstrated high internal consistency (α = .918), while the GPS demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = .793). The mean FIS score was 61.88 (SD = 13.06), and the mean prejudiced attitudes score was 40.09 (SD = 8.04). Pearson's correlation indicated a moderate, positive, statistically significant association between fear and insecurity and prejudiced attitudes, r = .469, p
Keywords: fear, insecurity, prejudice, prejudiced attitudes, perceived threat, stereotyping, young adults
How to Cite?: Fathima Haneefa, Dr. Hemanth Babu R, "The Psychological Impact of Fear and Insecurity on Prejudiced Attitudes", Volume 15 Issue 10, October 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 128-131, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26928160102, DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26928160102