Psychological Research Examining Antisemitism in the United States: A Literature Review

To inform recommendations for future research, this article provides a systematic literature review of psychological research examining the relationship between antisemitism and bioecological factors. Using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) method, we identified 550 articles published in English since 1999 using the keyword antisemitism (and anti-Semitism). Following our examination of article abstracts, 63 articles were selected for full review, 48 articles were excluded, and the remaining 15 studies were included in this article. Guided by Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model of human development, we explored factors associated with antisemitism related to person, process, and context. Findings suggested that several factors related to person, process, and context were associated with increased antisemitism. Limitations of published studies (such as varied and dated measurement tools) were also uncovered, alluding to the need for future rigorous research on multilevel factors associated with antisemitism, as well as the consequences of antisemitic perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors.