I & We Feel – Measuring Collective Emotion: The 2023 Israeli-Palestinian War

Authors:

Abstract: The quantitative measurement of collective emotion remains unclear due to a lack of empirical studies employing a robust methodological framework. In this paper, we leverage a theoretical framework previously applied to macro-level constructs, specifically 'Collective Efficacy', and modify it for measuring collective emotions. Presenting initial findings from the first phase out of a two-phase study, we demonstrate how two operationalizations—individual/self and collective/we ascriptions—reveal disparities in the construct of (negative) collective emotions following a significant intergroup conflict, exemplified by the 2023 Israeli-Palestinian war. Our results highlight that the observed disparity is influenced by physical social engagements. This study underscores the importance of incorporating both operationalizations in future experimental designs to enhance the understanding of collective emotional dynamics.

Track: TEAM

Keywords: Collective Emotion, Intergroup Conflict, Negative Emotions