Group-level self-definition and self-investment: a hierarchical (multicomponent) model of in-group identification.
Recent research shows individuals' identification with in-groups to be psychologically important and socially consequential. However, there is little agreement about how identification should be conceptualized or measured. On the basis of previous work, the authors identified 5 specific components of in-group identification and offered a hierarchical 2-dimensional model within which these components are organized. Studies 1 and 2 used confirmatory factor analysis to validate the proposed model of self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, in-group homogeneity) and self-investment (solidarity, satisfaction, and centrality) dimensions, across 3 different group identities. Studies 3 and 4 demonstrated the construct validity of the 5 components by examining their (concurrent) correlations with established measures of in-group identification. Studies 5-7 demonstrated the predictive and discriminant validity of the 5 components by examining their (prospective) prediction of individuals' orientation to, and emotions about, real intergroup relations. Together, these studies illustrate the conceptual and empirical value of a hierarchical multicomponent model of in-group identification.
Leach
Colin Wayne
CW
Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK. c.w.leach@sussex.ac.uk
van Zomeren
Martijn
M
Zebel
Sven
S
Vliek
Michael L W
ML
Pennekamp
Sjoerd F
SF
Doosje
Bertjan
B
Ouwerkerk
Jaap W
JW
Spears
Russell
R
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D008960:Models, Psychological; D018187:Personal Construct Theory; D012649:Self Concept; D012928:Social Desirability; D012933:Social Identification; D013240:Stereotyping