Work

Why step in? Shifting justifications for bystander behaviors through interventions with youth in the Middle East

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Research shows positive bystander intervention effectively mitigates bullying experiences. Yet, more evidence regarding bystander responses to bias‐based social exclusion (BSE) is needed in intergroup contexts, especially in the majority world and in areas of intractable conflict. This study assessed the effectiveness of skills and skills + contact‐based interventions for BSE among 148 Palestinian Citizens of Israel (Mage = 10.55) and 154 Jewish‐Israeli (Mage = 10.54) early adolescents (Girls = 52.32%) in Tel Aviv‐Yafo. Bystander responses were assessed by participants' reactions to hypothetical BSE scenarios over three time points. Repeated measures ANOVAs revealed both interventions significantly increased positive and decreased negative bystander responses, with changes maintained at the follow‐up. The opposite result pattern emerged for the control group. Findings suggest that both interventions can effectively encourage youth to publicly challenge BSE, even amidst intractable conflict.

Source: Journal of Research on Adolescence

DOI: 10.1111/jora.12941

Authors: Alaina Brenick, Malak Zureiqi, Rui Wu, Maisha Seraj, Megan Clark Kelly, Rony Berger

Institutions: University of Connecticut, Siena College, Tel Aviv University

Language: English

Topic: Bullying, Victimization, and Aggression

Subfield: Social Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Peace, justice, and strong institutions, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: University of Connecticut