The Contribution of Emotion to the Enhancement of Positive Relations Between Conflict Groups

Most peace intervention programs are cognitive-based, and pay only slight attention to the contribution of emotions to the enhancement of positive relationships between conflict groups. This article is a result of a randomised controlled study of a peace intervention program designed for Jewish and Arab high-school students in Israel. In addition to the evaluation of the contribution of the encounters, the main aim of the study was to examine the contribution of emotional and cognitive aspects to the enhancement of positive intergroup relations. Results point to positive modification in feelings and stereotypes, but not in social distance and motivation to engage in intergroup contact. Structural equation modelling of the findings suggests that feelings serve as a moderating variable of stereotypes, and that participants’ willingness to engage with members of their conflict group may be enhanced by emotional rather than cognitive processes.