title: Identities in flux: cognitive network activation in times of change.
abstract: Using a dynamic cognitive model, we experimentally test two competing hypotheses that link identity and cognitive network activation during times of change. On one hand, affirming people's sense of power might give them confidence to think beyond the densest subsections of their social networks. Alternatively, if such power affirmations conflict with people's more stable status characteristics, this could create tension, deterring people from considering their networks' diversity. We test these competing hypotheses experimentally by priming people at varying levels of status with power (high/low) and asking them to report their social networks. We show that confirming identity-not affirming power-cognitively prepares people to broaden their social networks when the world is changing around them. The emotional signature of having a confirmed identity is feeling comfortable and in control, which mediates network activation. We suggest that stable, confirmed identities are the foundation from which people can exhibit greater network responsiveness.
authors.affiliation: Fisher College of Business, The Ohio State University, 700 Fisher Hall, 2100 Neil Ave., Columbus, OH 43210, United States. Electronic address: menon.53@osu.edu.
authors.forename: Tanya
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Menon
authors.affiliation: Northwestern University Kellogg School of Management, 2001 Sheridan Road, Rm 358, Evanston, IL 60208, United States. Electronic address: ned-smith@kellogg.northwestern.edu.
authors.forename: Edward Bishop
authors.initials: EB
authors.lastname: Smith
mesh_terms: D003071:Cognition; D004644:Emotions; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011939:Mental Recall; D011209:Power, Psychological; D012649:Self Concept; D012922:Social Change; D012923:Social Class; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D013315:Stress, Psychological; D013334:Students
keywords: Change; Cognitive network activation; Identity