Abstract
There has been little data concerning psychological aspects of Israeli Jewish and Arab couples. This study investigated Israeli Jewish and Arab minority couples from the perspective of the women involved in these relationships. Semistructured interviews were deployed (n = 29) and the data were examined in relation to the sociopolitical background in Israel. The article presents a number of motivations for engaging in such relationships: love, resolving childhood issues, rebellion, attention seeking, and ideological and cultural enrichment. The data provide useful perspectives for working with and counseling other similar Israeli Jewish and Arab couples or other mixed couples living in war-torn societies. Recommendations for future research are also provided.
Acknowledgments
Limore Racin thanks Simon Dein, her adviser when she studied at the University College London. Many thanks go to those in Israel who assisted in the vigorous search to locate participants. Special thanks go to those in Israel who helped with cross-cultural considerations and advised during development of the study's interview protocol. Their feedback was vital to the study's fieldwork. A particular debt of gratitude is owed to all of the women who participated in the research. They completed questionnaires and took part in intimate interviews. None of the research would have been possible without their cooperation. Their hospitality and kindness will not be forgotten.