Motivated self-stereotyping: heightened assimilation and differentiation needs result in increased levels of positive and negative self-stereotyping.
This research was conducted to explore the impact of assimilation and differentiation needs on content-specific self-stereotyping. According to optimal distinctiveness theory (M. B. Brewer, 1991), social identities serve the function of satisfying individuals' need for assimilation (in-group inclusion) and their need for differentiation (distinctiveness from others). It was proposed that one of the ways optimal social identities are maintained is through self-stereotyping. In 3 studies, the needs for assimilation and differentiation were experimentally manipulated, and support was found for increased self-stereotyping in response to heightened need arousal across both self-report and behavioral measures and across different social groups. Results also demonstrated that only those participants who were highly identified with their in-group were willing to engage in negative self-stereotyping.
Pickett
Cynthia L
CL
Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign, 61820, USA. cpickett@uiuc.edu
Bonner
Bryan L
BL
Coleman
Jill M
JM
D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008960:Models, Psychological; D009042:Motivation; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012929:Psychological Distance; D012649:Self Concept; D012647:Self-Assessment; D012919:Social Behavior; D012933:Social Identification; D013240:Stereotyping