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Research Groups

Research students and faculty members from various disciplines form NEVETs' research groups. These groups are engaged in diverse fields of research and carry out the basic principles of NEVET. The context-informed approach is the guideline for the studies, both qualitative and quantitative. Some research groups maintain international networking with researchers in the United States, Europe, South America, Hong Kong, and Australia.

Doctorate and DSW candidates  from  our partnering universities  in the USA, Germany, Russia and Argentina  are welcome to join our research groups listed below for their dissertations and post- doctoral research.

For more information please contact:
prof. Dorit Roer-Strier (dorit.roer-strier@mail.huji.ac.il)

 

Here you can read more about the diverse research groups:

 

Love in Parent-Child Relationships: A context-informed perspective

The current research project aims to explore the concept of love, specifically in the parent-child relationship, while highlighting its unique meaning as experienced and perceived by children, parents, and practitioners from various disciplines and in different contexts. The project aims to explore various questions: What is love in the parent-child relationship? How is it constructed? How is love shown and expressed in the parent-child relationship? What are the differences and similarities of love in different contexts (e.g., time, space, culture, neighbourhood, political context)?  The triangulation of these questions is targeted to formulate the conceptualization of love and the development of love theory. The concepts and theories developed within the current research project are expected to form the base for future studies that will be carried out in various contexts.

Dr. Carmit Kats, Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, Dr. Yochay Nadan, Osher Barnea, Amal Naser, Ayelet Menashe

Katz, C., Tener, D., Nadan, Y. & Roer-Strier, D. (2020). “What’s love got to do with it?” How children use the concept of love during forensic interviews following child abuse. Children and Youth Services Review. (Epub ahead of print) HTTPS://DOI.ORG/10.1016/J.CHILDYOUTH.2020.105223

 

Young Children’s Perspectives on Risk and Protection

This research group aims to develop and promote the discourse on young children's perspectives among local and international researchers. The main questions this group aims to understand include: 1. What can we learn from young children? Based on studies conducted with children, what issues are children dealing with? What can we learn from them about children's worlds and about ourselves? 2. What are the methods to analyze various data collected such as photos, drawings and verbal explanations? Should we regard photography and drawing as independent research methodologies or triggers for verbal text? 3. What is the impact of context on children's perspectives? Various contexts such as culture, ethnicity, religion, politics, economy, migration are affecting children's worlds. What are possible ways to assess the effects of contexts on children perspectives? 4. What are the ethical dilemmas and challenges involved in researching children perspectives? Is it possible to develop a guideline that is acceptable across our diverse research locations? 5. Impact and practical implications for the pre-school educational systems. What could be the contributions of the growing body of knowledge on the practice of pre-school teachers and other members of the educational systems dealing with preschoolers?. The current studies taking place include:  “Risk and Protection in the Views of Immigrant Children”; “Analysing Visual Data” and “Combined Analysis of Multiple Data”.

Research Team: Dr. Yael Dayan, Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, Dr. Yael Ponizovsky-Bergelson, Dr. Nira Wahle

For more information: PONIZOVSKY.YAEL@GMAIL.COM

 

The LGBT Community: Children, Adolescents, Young Adults and Their Families

This research group aims to broaden our understanding regarding the lives of individuals and families in the LGBT community. We adopt intersectional, resilience, and human rights approaches to study a variety of topics including: parenthood in same sex families, risk and protection of children in same sex families and the inclusion of transgender students in the academic arena.

Research team: Dr. Yochay Nadan, Dr. Dafna Tener, Dr. Maya Tzfati, Dr. Brie Radis, Mr. Netanel Biton, Bina Jurawell, Ofer Kronenfeild, Masaat Rachmani, Ido Koren, Hadas kerem Blomendal

For more information: YOCHAY.NADAN@MAIL.HUJI.AC.IL

 

Sexuality and Sexual Abuse

This group deals with studies of sexuality and sexual abuse in a variety of contexts and in an attempt to examine the many facets of the phenomenon and its various and varied manifestations. The current studies being conducted include: “Child sexual abuse by authority figures among Haredi community: Personal and social perspective”; “Sibling sexual abuse (SSA) and involvement in sexual acts between siblings in the Orthodox and ultra-Orthodox society: Perspective of adults who were involved in these actions in childhood”; “‘Brother’s Salvation’: Personal perspectives of children and wives of Goel Ratzon (the former members of the cult)”; Preadolescent peer-to-peer sexual abuse (PSA): Professionals perspectives”; Perceptions of sexuality and sexual abuse among religious women in social networks and in virtual discourse” .

Research Team: Dr Dafna Tener, Efrat Lusky-Weisrose, Amitai Marmor, Aya Almog, Shosh Turgeman, Magi Shaarabani, Ziv Aviram, Nili Tzafar-Rozenfeild, Yael Elad, Efrat Lehman, Tsofnat Melamed, Maor Kaplan, Hadas Barabi

For more information: DTENER@GMAIL.COM

 

Parents and Professionals Perceptions Regarding Risk and Protection of Children

The risk and protection group is triangulating perceptions of parents and professionals (e.g. social workers, teachers, community leaders) regarding the topics of children at risk, child abuse and neglect as well as protective variables. The studies are conducted in Israel (in diverse communities, such as with immigrants and refugees, the Ultra-Orthodox, Bedouins, etc.) and abroad. We aim to: 1) Document communalities and differences in perceptions of various communities and to compare the views of parents and professionals. 2) Learn about perceptions of professionals, both professionals from the studied communities and those who are not from within the communities. 3) Discover ways to promote the protection and safety of children. 4) Document available interventions for children at risk and their utilization by different communities as well as learn about advantages and challenges of utilizing these programs. 5) Learn about context specific community enhanced interventions in different communities. The data contributes both to theory and practice in the area of risk and protection. The current studies are being conducted within the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, the Ethiopian community, the LGBT community and with families of Moroccan descent.

Research Team: Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, Dr.Yochay Nadan, Netanel Gemara, Shelly Engdaow-Vanda, Lital Yona, Rivka Keesing

For more information: DORIT.ROER-STRIER@MAIL.HUJI.AC.IL

 

Parent Education/Support Programs in Welfare Services

This research group focuses on exploring the practice of “parent education” or “parent support programs” in the context of public welfare services. We aim to develop knowledge regarding its theoretical foundations, its relevance for diverse populations (people living in poverty, ethnic minority groups etc.) as well as its outcomes. The current study is entitled: Perspectives of parents and professionals regarding parent education/support programs in welfare services.

Research Team:  Dr.Yochay Nadan, Dr. Carmit Katz, Zohar Sharvit, Eliya Shemer

For more information: CARMITKATZ@POST.TAUEX.AC.IL

 

Fathers, Fatherhood & Fathering

Parenting research in large-scale societies initially focused on mothers and when fathers were studied they typically were white, Euro-American, and middle-class. Currently, evidence is available from cultures in every continent but the coverage within and between nations varies widely. Almost all research on fathers across cultures since 1990 suggests some change in the direction of greater involvement by fathers. Our research group focuses on Fathers, Fatherhood & Fathering in different contexts in Israel. Our goal is to provide, facilitate, and disseminate research that documents parenting experiences and the perceptions of the fathers, the challenges and their coping methods. The current studies are taking place include: Perceptions of children's risk among Arab fathers in the Jerusalem Corridor area; The parenting experience of gay fathers who undertook surrogacy abroad; Fatherhood of stolen moments: Involvement of Israeli and FSU born fathers in infant care; and Mentalizing features in paternal speech of Israeli and FSU born fathers.

Research Team: Prof. Orya Tishbi, Dr. Yochay Nadan, Yan serdtse, Dr. Yasmin Aboud Halabi, Dr. Maya Tzfati, Nati Biton, Louis Jaber.

For more information: YAN.SERDTSE@MAIL.HUJI.AC.IL

 

Cultural Competence and Language Accessibility

Our research group is interested in promoting studies related to language accessibility of different populations, for example, the practice of interpretation and intercultural mediation, the experience of the professional relationship in a translated conversation and organizational preparation for community interpretation. We aim to develop knowledge to inform policy and practice in order to improve services operating with diverse populations. The current study is entitled: Community interpretation in the social services: An exploratory study.

Research Team: Dr. Orna Shemer, Dr.Yochay Nadan, Tamar Schwartz

For more information: YOCHAY.NADAN@MAIL.HUJI.AC.IL

 

Coping and Resilience Facing Medical Illness

This group focuses on promoting health and coping with illness. Our research explores the impact of illness, including End of Life Care and the impact on patients, their family members and professional caregivers. Our theoretical and empirical background is based on the prism of trauma, resilience and literature on post-traumatic growth. Currently, we are working on two main projects, the first: Predicting effective adaptation to breast cancer to help women BOUNCE Back: a collaboration with experts from the fields of oncology, computer modeling, psychology, and social medicine from Finland, Greece, Italy, Portugal, and Israel. The second project studies medical health professionals in several Israeli medical centers, and how they are influenced, both professionally and personally, by the provision of end of life care. A better understanding of these influences can help devise specific interventions to reduce professional burnout in this field. The current studies are taking place: 1) Predicting effective adaptation to breast cancer to help women BOUNCE Back 2) Effect of providing End of Life care of medical health personne. 

Research Team: Prof. Ruth Pat-Horenczyk, Yaffa Stokar, Rawan Dahabre, Hanan Khoury

For more information: RUTH.PAT-HORENCZYK@MAIL.HUJI.AC.IL

 

Child Arrest

The child arrest research group is studying the criminological, victimological and psycho-social aspects related to child arrest in Occupied East Jerusalem. The qualitative and quantitative data for the group's studies includes police arrest records, analysis of court verdicts, protocols of Knesset discussions concerning child rights and children's access to justice, and reports published by the government, human rights organizations and both the Israeli and Palestinian Media. Moreover, over the past five years we have also conducted round table discussions; in-depth interviews with children and their families as well as professionals (e.g. public prosecution, public defense lawyers, professionals working for local and international NGOs, welfare and law enforcement professionals). In addition to being the only academic group that thoroughly studies all aspects related to children's access to justice in Occupied East Jerusalem, we are also involved in activism to promote children's rights. These include court watch visits, round table discussions, and participation in relevant Knesset discussions.

Research Team: Prof. Nadera Shalhoub Kevorkian, Dr. Bella Kovner, Ms. Shahrazad Odeh, Ms. Abeer Otman

For more information: BELLA.KOVNER@MAIL.HUJI.AC.IL

 

Caught in the Middle: Children’s Exposure to High-Intensity Parental Conflict

Many children worldwide are exposed on a daily basis to high-intensity parental conflict between their parents. The overall aim of the project is to enhance the theoretical and practical knowledge in the field while exploring it using various perspectives. 

Research Team: Dr. Carmit Katz, Dr Hanita Kosher, Revital Katz-Yekutieli

For more information: DRCKATZ@GMAIL.COM

 

A Context Informed Perspective to the Study of Refugees' and Asylum Seekers’ Lives

This research group aims to broaden the often-limited view and understanding of refugees and asylum seekers lives. By employing qualitative methodologies, based on a context-informed approach, the group studies the topic of refugees and asylum seekers in Israel and in Europe. The members of the group are researching a variety of topics including: unaccompanied minors; parenthood, risk and protection of children; the “triadic” relationship between social workers; and interpreters and refugees in social services.

Research team: Dr. Yochay Nadan, Prof. Mimi Ajzenstadt, Dr. Bella Kovner, Lior Birger, Sabita Deshemaru, Or Kedem

For more information: YOCHAY.NADAN@MAIL.HUJI.AC.IL

 

Inter-University Research Group - The Laboratory for Resilience Research

The group is led by Dr. Shelly Engdau of the University of Haifa and in collaboration with the Nevet Greenhouse of Context-Informed Research and Training. Master’s students are invited to apply to this joint research group that will focus on the connection between risk and resilience in the context of child protection, resilience-informed practices, and social workers from minority populations.

Students who join the research group will receive guidance from professors and doctoral students specializing in the research of different communities, mentoring, the opportunity to meet lecturers and students through the group, and the use of the laboratory facilities in both universities. To apply, students can email their resumes to Dr. Engdau: SENGDAU@UNIV.HAIFA.AC.IL

Research Team: Dr. Shelly Engdau in collaboration with the Nevet Greenhouse

 

The Practice of Knowledge from Experience

This is a collaborative research and learning team with Dr. Orna Shemer, the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute for Applied Research and other interested parties from the field. To strengthen the integration of 'knowledge from experience' or ‘life knowledge’ in the field and in academia, the learning and research group will research and develop the practices of professionals through a ‘knowledge from experience’ design.

The research will invite critical thinking and the development of actionable knowledge through participatory approaches while working with different communities and contexts, such as people living in poverty, people with disabilities and their families, and more.

Research Team: Dr. Orna Shemer and the Myers-JDC-Brookdale Institute

 

Psycho-biotechnology

Action Research Accompanying the Applied Development in Sha’ar HaNegev  

The research team invites a student to join the research incubator and the applied development centered in Sha’ar HaNegev. This research incubator is a network of partnerships between academia and the field that aims to train a new generation of leading professionals towards an identity that comprises of both a professional and a researcher facet. The incubator is currently piloting several applied developments accompanied by participatory action research. These developments focus on the integration of psychology and biotechnology with the aim of providing monitoring, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of trauma among educators, parents, children and adolescents living in the context of an ongoing security threat.

Research Team: Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, Dr. Yan Serdtse and Mr. Haim Fleischman

 

Evaluation of the Vesta Tzaga Center

The research team invites a student to join in evaluating the unique model of this center. The Vesta Tzaga Center treats populations from minority groups with a context- and culture-informed approach. Preference will be given to students from the Ethiopian community.

Research Team: Prof. Yochai Nadan, Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, and the Vesta Tzaga Center director Ms. Yishito Shmuel

 

Asylum Seeker Communities

This team researches communities of asylum seekers throughout the country. The study focuses on child-parent relationships as well as the identity, community and educational aspects of asylum seekers and those who come in contact with them. Students are invited to research various topics related to the communities of asylum seekers in the country from a context-informed perspective and among different groups of participants, such as parents, kindergarten teachers, children and cultural mediators.

Research Team: Prof. Edith Blit-Cohen and Dr. Iris Tzadok

 

Parents’ and Professionals’ Perceptions of Risk and Protection in the Ultra-Orthodox Community

This research group examines perceptions of risk and child protection in ultra-Orthodox communities. So far, the group has interviewed ultra-Orthodox fathers, mothers, children, families seeking welfare services, and male social workers who work with the community. This year, we want to expand to other perspectives in the ultra-Orthodox population in the field of risk and child protection (for example, female professionals working with the community). Priority will be given to female master’s students from the ultra-Orthodox community.

Research Team: Prof. Yochai Nadan, Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier and doctoral student Rivki Keesing

 

Parent-Adolescent Relationships and Risk and Protective Behaviors

A research group led by Prof. Maya Benish-Weisman that examines the effect of parent-child relationships on the mental health and adjustment of parents and adolescents. As part of the study, data will be collected from families using online questionnaires. Students who speak Hebrew, Arabic and Russian and who feel comfortable with quantitative analysis methods are invited (guidance will be given in statistics).

Research Team: Prof. Maya Benish-Weisman

 

Home and Houselessness

This research group is led by Dr. Hadass Moore and focuses on how home and houselessness is experienced by different population groups. The research group is involved in various qualitative and quantitative studies that deal with the various dimensions of the concept of home and lack of one. This is done while accounting for the influence of special contexts, such as gender, origin, nationality, religion, level of religiosity, etc., and of nested contexts, such as the school context for houseless students, houselessness nested within a community or a district and so on.

Research Team: Dr. Hadass Moore

 

First Generation in Higher Education

This research group is setting out this year to evaluate the Hebrew University’s "First in Academia" program. Preference will be given to first-generation university students.

Research Team: Dr. Efrat Lusky-Weisrose, Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, Dr. Hadass Moore, Dr. Orna Shemer, Prof. Shalhevet Attar and Dr. Yan Serdtse

 

Context-Informed Therapy: Qualitative Research on the Experiences of Patients and Therapists

This research group focuses on psychotherapy and psychosocial treatment (personal, couple and family) that take place in unique contexts, such as unique cultural, religious, socio-economic, gender, language and online contexts. This research strives to explore the experiences and meanings given to the therapeutic process by the patients and the therapists.

Research Team: Prof. Orya Tishby, Prof. Yochay Nadan 

 

Researching the University Multicultural Kindergarten

This group is researching the multicultural kindergarten based at the Hebrew university. The group had looked so far at aspects of community perceptions of children, parents, kindergarten staff and university members as well as multicultural and diversity perceptions. Other studies from this group, are related to children’s agency and children’s reaction to COVID -19.

Currently the group plans to compare our findings regarding community aspects with other kindergartens based in different academic organizations. We are looking for partnerships with other researchers interested in this topic from Israel and abroad.

Research Team:  Prof. Heidi Keller, Prof, Edit Blit-Cohen, Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, Or Alter, Hadar Yahav, Maysa Zahra, Bat Chen Mualem.

 

Family Group Conference Model for Families with Children at Risk

 

A Family Group Conference (FGC) is a model based process used for reaching a joint decision between families (including their childrens), professionals, and community members regarding the concerns that exist towards the children at risk . This process is led by a trained coordinator, who over a period of a few weeks accompanies the family and the people from the community who support them, in order to come together to build an intervention plan to improve the well-being of children and reduce risk. This model, carried out in several countries, is currently run as a pilot in Israel in several cities as a possible alternative to "decision committees" for children at risk. The pilot is currently being implemented with families from diverse cultural groups (e.g. Ultra orthodox, immigrants) and is led by the Ministry of Labor and Social Welfare, JDC-Ashalim and the Ministry of Immigration and Integration. The pilot itself is carried out by Mosaica.
This research group is conducting a longitudinal evaluation study of mixed methods by interviewing parents, children, social workers, coordinators and supportive members from the community. In addition to understanding aspects of FGC practice, we also explore perceptions of risk and protection within cultural context and the relationship between the diverse communities and the welfare systems.

Research team: Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, Dr. Orna Shemer, Dr. Yasmin Abud-Halabi, Yan Serdtse, Liraz Mizrahi-Levy, Gilat Biton, Vered Cohen, Hodaya Benitah, Mayan Omer, Ahlam Abokirn, Netanya Mischel, Ahmad Drawshy, Fatima Abusara.

For more information: Dr. Orna Shemer: ORNASHEMER4@GMAIL.COM

 

Attachment in Large Families

The goal of the attachment research group is to describe and understand relational networks in families from different cultural groups. Attachment theory and research is based on the family model within the Western middle class. This model is applied to families worldwide but does not adequately capture their developmental dynamics. In Israel the study specifically focuses on families with many children, such as Ultra-Orthodox Jewish families, Christian and Muslim Arab families and families from Ethiopian origin. We try to assess the subjective representations of relationships of the family members with a multimethod approach.

Research Team: Prof. Heidi Keller, Prof. Dorit Roer-Strier, Dr. Yochay Nadan, Hannah Bartl

For more information: HANNAH.BARTL@YAHOO.COM