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Research Article
Downplaying a compromised social image: The effect of metastereotype valence on social identification
Article first published online: 24 MAY 2011
DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.805
Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Issue
European Journal of Social Psychology
Special Issue: The Centrality of Social Image in Social Psychology
Volume 41, Issue 4, pages 528–537, June 2011
Additional Information
How to Cite
Owuamalam, C. K. and Zagefka, H. (2011), Downplaying a compromised social image: The effect of metastereotype valence on social identification. Eur. J. Soc. Psychol., 41: 528–537. doi: 10.1002/ejsp.805
Publication History
- Issue published online: 15 JUN 2011
- Article first published online: 24 MAY 2011
- Manuscript Accepted: 5 APR 2011
- Manuscript Revised: 25 MAR 2011
- Manuscript Received: 4 JUN 2010
Funded by
- Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). Grant Number: PTA-026-27-2685
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- metastereotypes;
- rejection-identification;
- self-esteem;
- social identity/image;
- moderated mediation
Abstract
This research examined the prediction that group members' levels of identification with the in-group would be influenced by the valence of salient metastereotypes. Specifically, we expected those group members who activate negative metastereotypes to report lower levels of identification with the in-group compared with those who activate positive metastereotypes. We further expected the above effect to be mediated by fluctuations in self-view: Those group members who activate negative metastereotypes should experience lowered self-view (or self-esteem), which would then lead them to downplay their membership of the negatively valued in-group. In addition, we expected this mediated effect to be particularly visible among those who were less strongly identified with the in-group to begin with. Results obtained across two studies in which metastereotype valence was manipulated support the predicted main effect and the moderated mediation hypothesis. Discussions highlight the need for a positive social image when concern about the negative connotations of one's social group membership is raised. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.