title: Collective self and individual choice: the effects of inter-group comparative context on environmental values and behaviour.
abstract: Self-categorization theory suggests that inter-group comparisons inform individual behaviour by affecting perceived in-group stereotypes that are internalized by group members. The present paper provides evidence for this chain of effects in the domain of environmental behaviour. In two studies, inter-group comparative context was manipulated. Study 1 found that the perceived in-group stereotype, self-stereotype (as represented by the reported value centrality), and behavioural intentions shifted away from a comparison out-group (irrespective of whether this was an upward or downward comparison). Study 1 also revealed that the effect of comparative context on individual environmental intentions was mediated by the perceived in-group stereotype and by changes in personal values. Study 2 extrapolated the observed effect on actual behavioural choices. The findings demonstrate the utility of a self-categorization approach to individual behaviour change.
authors.affiliation: School of Psychology, University of Exeter, UK. a.rabinovich@exeter.ac.uk
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rabinovich
authors.forename: Thomas A
authors.initials: TA
authors.lastname: Morton
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Postmes
authors.forename: Bas
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Verplanken
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002755:Choice Behavior; D003861:Depersonalization / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D012649:Self Concept; D012931:Social Environment; D012933:Social Identification; D012945:Social Values; D013239:Stereotyped Behavior