Citation

Brenick A, Zureiqi M, Wu R, Seraj M, Kelly MC, Berger R. J. Res. Adolesc. 2024; 34(2): 352-365.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2024, John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/jora.12941

PMID

unavailable

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.

Language: en

Keywords

bias-based social exclusion; bystander response; Jewish-Israeli; Middle East; Palestinian citizens of Israel; prejudice-reduction interventions; social-cognitive/emotional skills