Perceived antisemitism emerged as the strongest predictor of psychological distress among Jewish university students in Germany, who reported significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than their non-Jewish peers.
Key Findings
Results
Jewish university students reported significantly higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression than non-Jewish university students.
Cross-sectional online survey completed by 320 students total, including 151 who identified as Jewish.
Group differences in stress, anxiety, and depression were statistically significant between Jewish and non-Jewish students.
No significant differences were observed in self-esteem between the two groups.
The study used a quantitative comparative design to examine these mental health outcomes.
Results
Perceived antisemitism was the strongest predictor of psychological distress within the Jewish student subsample.
Analysis was conducted within the Jewish subsample (n=151).
Predictors of mental health outcomes examined included perceived antisemitism, Jewish identification, self-esteem, and connection to Israel.
Perceived antisemitism emerged as the strongest predictor among all variables tested.
The finding situates perceived antisemitism as 'a significant mental health risk factor for Jewish university students in Germany.'
Results
Self-esteem functioned as a protective factor against psychological distress among Jewish students.
Self-esteem was assessed as one of the predictor variables within the Jewish subsample.
Higher self-esteem was associated with reduced psychological distress.
This protective effect was identified alongside the harmful effects of perceived antisemitism.
No significant group difference in self-esteem was found between Jewish and non-Jewish students overall.
Results
Stronger connection to Israel was associated with elevated stress among Jewish students.
Connection to Israel was one of the variables measured in the survey.
The association between stronger connection to Israel and elevated stress was found within the Jewish subsample.
This finding suggests that geopolitical identification may contribute to minority stress experiences.
The relationship was identified in a regression-based analysis of predictors of mental health outcomes.
Background
The study was conducted in the context of increasing antisemitism in Germany, where empirical research on Jewish student mental health remains limited.
The authors noted that 'antisemitism has increased in Germany in recent years.'
The paper identifies a gap in 'empirical research on mental health outcomes among Jewish students in Germany.'
The study examined stress, anxiety, depression, and self-esteem as key mental health outcomes.
Measures included perceived antisemitism, Jewish identification, self-esteem, and connection to Israel.
Conclusions
The authors recommend addressing minority stress and strengthening protective resources in higher education settings to reduce psychological distress among Jewish students.
The recommendation is framed around 'minority stress' as a conceptual framework.
Both reducing risk factors (antisemitism exposure/perception) and strengthening protective factors (e.g., self-esteem) are implied.
The goal stated is to 'reduce psychological distress and promote student well-being.'
What This Means
This research suggests that Jewish university students in Germany are experiencing notably worse mental health than their non-Jewish peers. In a survey of 320 students, those who identified as Jewish reported higher levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. The study was motivated by rising antisemitism in Germany and a lack of prior research on how this affects Jewish students' well-being.
Within the group of Jewish students, the perception of antisemitism — meaning how much they felt they personally encountered or witnessed antisemitic attitudes and behavior — was the single strongest factor linked to greater psychological distress. On the other hand, having higher self-esteem appeared to buffer against that distress. Interestingly, students who felt a stronger personal connection to Israel also tended to report higher stress levels, suggesting that geopolitical concerns may add to the psychological burden some Jewish students carry.
This research suggests that universities in Germany should take active steps to address the mental health needs of Jewish students, both by working to reduce antisemitic environments on campus and by supporting programs that build resilience and self-esteem. The findings highlight that belonging to a minority group facing active discrimination is not just a social issue but has measurable consequences for students' everyday psychological well-being.
Josef Tamir T, Jarvers I. (2026). Perceived antisemitism and the mental health of Jewish university students in Germany: a quantitative comparative study.. BMC public health. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-026-27714-5