In this cross-sectional study, we examined the relationship between national identification of majority Finns (nation-wide probability sample, N = 335) and their attitudes towards Russian immigrants living in Finland. As previous research indicates both possibilities, we tested whether this relationship was moderated or mediated by threats and gains perceived to result from immigration. The results supported the mediation hypothesis; those individuals who identified stronger with their national ingroup perceived more threats than gains related to increased immigration and these perceptions, in turn, were associated with more negative attitudes towards immigrants. The role of realistic as opposed to symbolic threats and gains was particularly pronounced. The implications of the results are discussed in terms of their theoretical relevance and practical means to improve intergroup relations, with a particular focus on the relations between Finns and Russian immigrants in Finland. © 2015 Scandinavian Psychological Associations and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

Outgroup attitudes immigrants National identification Intergroup relations Perceived threats and gains

Russia Finland Social Identification human middle aged Cross-Sectional Studies Humans cross-sectional study migrant attitude male Emigrants and Immigrants female adult migration Prejudice Emigration and Immigration Russian Federation social behavior