Scientific Research
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).
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: Overview
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.
Citation
Sigelman, C. K., Lane, J. D., & Friedman, S. L. (2025). Negative beliefs, sentiments, and discriminatory behavior toward Jews: A developmental review. Review of General Psychology. doi: 10.1177/10892680251382811
Abstract
In the first such review to our knowledge, we analyze 85 studies conducted since World War II addressing how cognitive, affective, and behavioral biases against Jewish people take form in childhood, adolescence, and emerging adulthood; their implications for Jewish youth; influences on their development; and efforts to reduce them. Studies were concentrated in the Middle East and Western countries and used a wide variety of methods. Although many studies have significant theoretical or methodological limitations, others are quite strong. Collectively, this work highlights the foundational roles of social categorization and labeling, ingroup-outgroup dynamics, and essentialist thinking. Across development, knowledge of Jews is limited and replete with misconceptions. Common negative stereotypes increase with age, as do negative attitudes and antisemitic behaviors, which are increasingly interrelated with anti-Israel sentiment among emerging adults. Jewish children and youth are well aware of and concerned about anti-Jewish bias, but hesitant to call it out. Very little research has explored cultural, school, neighborhood, parent, peer, and media influences on children’s anti-Jewish bias. However, several studies point to its malleability through interventions focusing on social-cognitive and emotional skill building and positive contact with Jewish peers. Implications for future research, education, and policy are discussed.
