Time span as a factor in contact intervention: implication for peace education programs

Recent studies suggest that affective intervention programs are better suited and more effective than cognitive ones in yielding positive relationships between conflict groups. They also suggest that meaningful interventions require long-term investment. Based on empirical evaluation of the attitudes of Israeli students towards contact with both Arab and Jewish Israeli religious or secular counterparts over time, it is suggested that the possibility of affective based interventions for both cases is doubtful. Findings revealed that while willingness to meet with religious or secular counterparts was stable over time, radical changes were presented in regard to meetings with Arab counterparts, and provided only a small time opportunity to both initiate and carry out any possible change. Implications for peace education are discussed.