Colleges
Biography
I am Professor of Social Psychology in the Department of Experimental Psychology and Tutorial Fellow at Lady Margaret Hall.
I joined the University of Oxford in 2024, following previous roles at the University of Bristol, Leiden University College, and the University of Hertfordshire. I hold a PhD (2012) and BSc (2008) in Social Psychology from the University of Ulster.
I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), a Chartered Psychologist (CPsychol), and an Honorary Professor at the University of Bristol.
Websites
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ESRC Shared Spaces Project
Find out about the ESRC Shared Spaces Project here
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ESRC Diversity Effects Project
Classroom resources to support teaching about difference in the school classroom. Developed as part of an ESRC funded project
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RE Shared Space project
Information about the Shared Space project and the RE teacher toolkit developed for primary and secondary school teachers
Shelley McKeown Jones
Professor of Social Psychology
- Tutorial Fellow in Experimental Psychology, Lady Margaret Hall
Research summary
I am a social psychologist whose research focuses broadly on understanding how to improve intergroup relations in diverse and conflict settings, particularly for youth growing up in deeply divided societies. I use a combination of survey, observational, behavioural, and experimental methods to tackle both basic and applied research questions. I am particularly interested in collaborative field research that applies social psychological theory to shape practice on the ground.
Influenced by my time spent growing up in Northern Ireland, my research centres around the following areas:
- Segregation: Examining how and why individuals from different religious, racial and ethnic groups interact in everyday life spaces.
- Intergroup contact: Understanding how intergroup contact can be used to reduce prejudice and promote wider individual and societal benefits in conflict and divided societies.
- Positive societal engagement: Understanding under what conditions individuals engage in pro-social and collective behaviours to promote stronger community relations and build peace.
Current grants
2021-2024: ESRC Standard Grant (£634,748). Shared Spaces: The How, When, and Why of Adolescent Intergroup Interactions. PI: Shelley McKeown, Co-Is: Laura K. Taylor (University College Dublin), David Manley (University of Bristol).
Recent publications
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Understanding the Spatial Dimension of Youth Intergroup Contact in a Post-Accord Society
Journal article
Dupont P-L. et al, (2024), Peace and Conflict: journal of peace psychology
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In memoriam: Dr Francesco Foroni.
Journal article
McKeown S. et al, (2024), Br J Soc Psychol, 63, 1 - 2
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Solidarity across group lines: Secondary transfer effect of intergroup contact, perceived moral distance, and collective action
Journal article
Vezzali L. et al, (2023), European Journal of Social Psychology, 53, 450 - 470
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Promoting Youth Intergroup Contact in a Postaccord Society: The Role of Supportive Interaction Norms and Self-Expansion
Journal article
McKeown S. et al, (2023), PEACE AND CONFLICT-JOURNAL OF PEACE PSYCHOLOGY
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Examining the Association between Family Environment and Adolescent Delinquent Behaviours in China
Journal article
Huang Y. and McKeown S., (2022), Journal of Child and Family Studies, 31, 2871 - 2884