In-group identification mediates the effects of subjective in-group status on mental health.
We present two studies exploring the effects of the relative standing of one's in-group in the social hierarchy, which we conceptualize as 'subjective in-group status', on mental health and well-being. Study 1 focuses on the subjective status of a professional in-group (prison guards) while Study 2 concerns the subjective status of the family in-group. Results show that higher subjective in-group status predicts better mental health (e.g., less depression) and greater well-being (e.g., higher satisfaction with life). Also, results demonstrate that the effects of subjective in-group status on mental health are mediated by the extent to which one subjectively identifies with the in-group.
Sani
Fabio
F
School of Psychology, University of Dundee, UK. f.sani@dundee.ac.uk
Magrin
Maria Elena
ME
Scrignaro
Marta
M
McCollum
Rachel
R
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression; D004651:Employment / Q000523:psychology*; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006608:Hierarchy, Social; D006801:Humans; D007558:Italy; D008297:Male; D008603:Mental Health; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011330:Prisons; D012923:Social Class; D012933:Social Identification; D012963:Sociometric Techniques