The Effect of the Niqab on Perceived Trustworthiness

Abstract Past research has supported the notion that the conclusions we draw about people and the way we behave around them are dependent on our exposure to their facial expressions. The current study aims at investigating the perceived effect on people who wear the niqab and the question of trustworthiness, using a sample of 183 women from Zayed University in the United Arab Emirates in 2020. Results showed that variables of communication, identity and security were all significantly correlated with one another in this respect. The implications of these findings suggested that people feel more secure when interacting with women who do not wear the niqab. Also, it was found that people’s interaction is more effective when facial expressions are visible.