The needs-based model of reconciliation is a theoretical perspective that aims to shed light on the dynamics between victims and perpetrators following transgressions. Building on the notion that “what goes on between people cannot be separated from what is going on within people,” the model argues that reconciliation can be facilitated through the restoration of the conflicting parties’ positive identities. Research within the model’s framework has applied its insights to various contexts of conflict. These include conflicts between individuals (e.g., siblings or workplace colleagues) and groups (e.g., Germans and Jews), conflicts grounded in structural inequality (e.g., between men and women), and ones that are characterized by mutual transgressions and competitive victimhood (e.g., Israelis and Palestinians).

This paper provides an overview of this research –

Shnabel, N., Ullrich, J. & Nadler, A. (2023). The needs-based model of reconciliation: How identity restoration processes can contribute to more harmonious and equal social relations. Advances in Experimental Social Psychology, 67, 209-276.

Here you can read about the (successful) effort to replicate our findings by the Many Labs project (see here for a more detailed report).