Using human figure drawing as a tool for examining self-perception and emotional attitudes among Jewish and Arab children in Israel

The study examined ingroup and outgroup perceptions among Jewish and Arab children in Israel. The sample comprised 191 children aged 10–12, 131 Jewish and 60 Arab participants who live in a mixed city. The main instrument used to examine the children's perceptions was a multidimensional analysis of Jewish and Arab figures drawn by the participants, as well as a questionnaire relating to the drawn figures. The findings revealed that, even though they lived in a mixed city and studied in the same classes, the Jewish children differentiated between the figures and overwhelmingly preferred Jewish figures to Arab figures. Moreover, they revealed negative stereotypes and expressed aggression in drawings of Arab figures. In contrast, among the Arab participants, the findings were inconsistent. In most of the variables, they did not distinguish between the various figures. However, in the quality variables, they tended to prefer figures of their own nationality and rejected Jewish figures. The findings are discussed in relation to the context of the residential environment (a mixed city), majority-minority status, and the Israeli-Arab conflict.

► The study examined social images among Jewish (majority) and Arab (minority) children living a mixed city in Israel which is a conflict zone due to the Israeli-Arab conflict. ► The measures were human figures drawings and a questionnaire relating to the figures. ► The Jewish children differentiated between the figures and preferred Jewish figures, they revealed negative stereotypes toward the Arab figures. ► Among the Arab in most of the variables, they did not distinguish between the figures. ► But, in the quality variables, they prefer Arab figures and rejected Jewish figures.