Association of Jewish Psychologists Research Group

Our Mission:

The AJP Research Group was established to bring together scientists, practitioners and students who are interested in contributing to the emerging psychological science of Jewish identity, socialization, and antisemitism. 

Our work to date:

The group meets bi-weekly to listen to scientific presentations, discuss new research directions, and embark on new scientific projects. 

Members of the Group initiated work toward the creation of an American Psychological Foundation (APF) Award for research on antisemitism.  They also reached out to staff at the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) and suggested a now-approved plan for a consensus conference on antisemitism. 

Members of the group initiated three research projects which are currently at different stages of development.  These are: 1) Parent-child conversations about Jewish identity and antisemitism (Jonathan D. Lane, Vanderbilt University, is the lead investigator), (2) Defining antisemitism from a psychological perspective (Jeffrey Sherman, University of California, Davis, lead investigator), and (3) research on Jewish identity (Rob Weisskirch, California State University, Monterey Bay, lead investigator).  In addition, a review paper on the topic of antisemitism growing out of the work of investigators who are members of the group is under review.  Students have been encouraged to be involved in ongoing projects. 

The Executive Committee:

The Executive Committee of the Research Group includes Sarah L. Friedman of the George Washington University (chair), Jonathan D. Lane (Vanderbilt University), Jeffrey Sherman (University of California, Davis), and Judith G. Smetana (University of Rochester).