Jewish Students’ Experiences of Antisemitism in Higher Education Settings and Daily Occupations

Abstract

An alarming increase in antisemitism compromises Jewish students’ sense of safety and may result in occupational injustice. This study aimed to explore Jewish students’ exposure to antisemitism and its impact on their mental health and daily occupations. A survey about exposure to antisemitism, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder seven-item scale, and the Brief Resilience Scale were completed by 147 university students nationally; 57.3% reported direct experiences with antisemitism and 63.4% were exposed as bystanders. This exposure jeopardized students’ sense of safety, occupations such as social participation, sleep, and rest, and ability to plan their future. Students reported being severely anxious (M = 15.45, SD = 6.28) despite moderate resilience (M = 3.39, SD = 0.34). Efforts to create a culture of belonging should include initiatives to combat antisemitism. It is essential for occupational therapy faculty to develop educational programs for practitioners and students as well as other professionals to prevent occupational injustice among Jewish students.

Plain Language Summary

Students’ Exposure to Antisemitism Across U.S. College Campuses and Its Impact on Their Daily Lives

Due to an alarming increase in on-campus antisemitism, this survey study explored Jewish college students’ daily and educational experiences, as well their levels of reported anxiety and resilience. One hundred forty-seven students responded to an author-created survey that posted questions about exposure to antisemitism and its impact on their daily lives, an anxiety scale, and measure on resilience. Students reported direct experiences with on-campus antisemitism or as bystanders. This exposure impacted students’ as well as compromised participation in daily activities, their sense of safety, emotional well-being, social participation, sleep and rest, and ability to plan their future. Based upon these survey results, it is recommended that educational programs for faculty, students, and campus administrators be developed that address strategies to combat antisemitism.