title: Social Identity Mapping: A procedure for visual representation and assessment of subjective multiple group memberships.
abstract: In this research, we introduce Social Identity Mapping (SIM) as a method for visually representing and assessing a person's subjective network of group memberships. To provide evidence of its utility, we report validating data from three studies (two longitudinal), involving student, community, and clinical samples, together comprising over 400 participants. Results indicate that SIM is easy to use, internally consistent, with good convergent and discriminant validity. Each study also illustrates the ways that SIM can be used to address a range of novel research questions. Study 1 shows that multiple positive group memberships are a particularly powerful predictor of well-being. Study 2 shows that social support is primarily given and received within social groups and that only in-group support is beneficial for well-being. Study 3 shows that improved mental health following a social group intervention is attributable to an increase in group compatibility. In this way, the studies demonstrate the capacity for SIM to make a contribution both to the development of social-psychological theory and to its practical application.
authors: School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Tegan
authors: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5296-3480
authors: T
authors: Cruwys
authors: School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Niklas K
authors: NK
authors: Steffens
authors: School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors: S Alexander
authors: SA
authors: Haslam
authors: School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Catherine
authors: C
authors: Haslam
authors: School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Jolanda
authors: J
authors: Jetten
authors: School of Psychology, University of Queensland, St Lucia, Queensland, Australia.
authors: Genevieve A
authors: GA
authors: Dingle
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006126:Group Processes; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010549:Personal Satisfaction; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000379:methods*; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012933:Social Identification; D012944:Social Support; D012960:Socioenvironmental Therapy / Q000379:methods; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: group membership; measurement; self-categorization; social connectedness; social identity