Abstract
In four experimental studies, we explored the effect of consistency between central group values and the content of group-directed praise on group-based esteem, group identification, and willingness to express attitudes and intentions (in)consistent with the content of praise. Study 1 used pre-existing groups with clearly defined central values, Study 2 relied on individual differences in perceptions of central group values within the same social group, and Studies 3 and 4 manipulated the centrality of group values experimentally. The results demonstrated that identity-inconsistent praise resulted in lower group-based esteem (Studies 1–4), and reduced group identification (Study 4), as compared to identity-consistent praise. In addition, in all studies, identity-inconsistent praise led to stronger willingness to reaffirm (the ignored) central group characteristics than identity-consistent praise. The results are consistent with extensions of the self-verification approach to the collective self.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | European Journal of Social Psychology |
| Volume | 47 |
| Issue number | 5 |
| Pages (from-to) | 628-644 |
| Number of pages | 17 |
| ISSN | 0046-2772 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Aug 2017 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- group identity
- responses to praise
- self-verification