Gender Discrimination towards Female Arab Teenagers in Israel and Their Involvement in Severe Violence: The Mediating Role of Closeness to Parents.

This article examines the relationship between perceived gender discrimination and severe physical violence perpetration among Arab female adolescents and young women in Israel, focusing on the mediating role of closeness to parents. Based on a sample of 404 participants aged 12–21, the study found that higher perceived gender discrimination correlates with increased violent behavior, while greater parental closeness is associated with reduced violence. The mediation analysis indicated that gender discrimination negatively affects parental closeness, which in turn partially mediates its impact on violence. The findings highlight the influence of patriarchal societal norms and family dynamics on female antisocial behavior in this conservative, minority context, suggesting the importance of family-based interventions and gender equality awareness to mitigate violence among female Arab youth.