Identity development in multicultural experiences: The role of ethnic relations and cultural awareness

Abstract

This study explores identity exploration among undergraduate students (N = 39) during an Israeli-Jewish dialogue course in Israel. The thematic analysis revealed three central aspects of self-exploration within a multicultural context: (a) Everyday campus interactions – informal and voluntary encounters with Arab peers often served as catalysts for personal reflection on identity; (b) Collective identity and cultural awareness – Jewish participants highlighted a strong sense of shared ethnic identity, which was reinforced and expanded through intercultural engagement, enhancing both group cohesion and cultural understanding; and (c) Differences in identity exploration among Jewish subgroups – while secular participants tended to prioritize practical, goal-oriented interactions, religious participants engaged in more profound, introspective identity exploration. Despite these differences, participants across both groups incorporated new cultural perspectives into their evolving sense of self. These findings provide evidence of situational context affecting identity formation, especially ethno-religious diversity, and expand our understanding of identity development during young adulthood.