How Discrimination Shapes Social Identification Processes and Well-Being Among Arab Americans

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 328-337 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nader H. Hakim ◽  
Ludwin E. Molina ◽  
Nyla R. Branscombe
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Arab Americans ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Identity Processes ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Secondary Analyses ◽  
Identification Processes

The increasingly xenophobic U.S. climate warrants a close investigation of Arab American responses to discrimination. We conducted secondary analyses of two large data sets to examine social identity processes and their relationship to well-being. In a representative sample of Muslim Arab Americans (Study 1, n = 228), discrimination was related to decreased American identification, which in turn predicted lower well-being. Another large sample of Arab Americans (Study 2, n = 1,001) revealed how social identity processes differ by religious group. For Christian Arab Americans, discrimination predicted an indirect negative effect on well-being through decreased American identification. Muslim Arab Americans showed the same pattern, but also stronger religious and ethnic identification the more they experienced discrimination, which partially buffered the harmful effects on well-being. These data present a social cohesion challenge where the maintenance of national identity necessitates less discrimination and injustice against minorities.

When history perpetuates stereotypes and narratives: The burden of historical representations on well-being

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Historical Representations ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Harmful Effects

Previous research outlined that historical representations of different groups underlie stereotypes and prejudice. Considering the gap in the literature on historical representations and their potential impact on the well-being of Africans, we hypothesised that historical representations of Africans and perceptions of these representations among Africans (N = 225 in Europe relate to well-being outcomes in that population. Furthermore, we predicted that the relationship between historical representations and well-being is mediated by stereotype confirmation concerns and social identification. Consistent with our predictions, historical representations were associated with poorer well-being. Particularly, historical representations were related to increased anxiety and low self-esteem through their relationship with stereotype confirmation concerns. Social identity mitigated the harmful effects of historical representations on self-esteem. However, social identity did not mediate the association between historical representations and anxiety. Our findings highlight the effects of historical representations on well-being.

Different Groups, Different Motives

2012 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 1066-1080 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matt Easterbrook ◽  
Vivian L. Vignoles
Keyword(s):  
Longitudinal Study ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Identity Construction ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Multilevel Analyses ◽  
Social Categories ◽  
Identity Processes ◽  
Identity Motives ◽  
Interpersonal Network

Social identification is known to have wide-reaching implications, but theorists disagree about the underlying motives. Integrating motivated identity construction theory with recent social identity research, the authors predicted which motives underlie identification with two types of groups: interpersonal networks and social categories. In a five-wave longitudinal study of social identity processes among 268 new university residents, multilevel analyses showed that motives involved in identity enactment processes—self-esteem, belonging, and efficacy—significantly predicted within-person changes in identification with flatmates (an interpersonal network group), whereas motives involved in identity definition processes—meaning, self-esteem, and distinctiveness—significantly predicted within-person changes in identification with halls of residence (an abstract social category). This article discusses implications for research into identity motives and social identity.

scholarly journals “If worse comes to worst, my neighbors come first”: social identity as a collective resilience factor in areas threatened by sea floods

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (11) ◽  
Author(s):  
Luise M. Erfurth ◽  
Alina S. Hernandez Bark ◽  
Carin Molenaar ◽  
Anna Lisa Aydin ◽  
Rolf van Dick
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Environmental Stress ◽  
North Sea ◽  
Holistic Approach ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Collective Resilience

AbstractResearch on collective resilience processes still lacks a detailed understanding of psychological mechanisms at work when groups cope with adverse conditions, i.e., long-term processes, and how such mechanisms affect physical and mental well-being. As collective resilience will play a crucial part in facing looming climate change-related events such as floods, it is important to investigate these processes further. To this end, this study takes a novel holistic approach by combining resilience research, social psychology, and an archeological perspective to investigate the role of social identity as a collective resilience factor in the past and present. We hypothesize that social identification buffers against the negative effects of environmental threats in participants, which increases somatic symptoms related to stress, in a North Sea region historically prone to floods. A cross-sectional study (N = 182) was conducted to analyze the moderating effects of social identification on the relations between perceived threat of North Sea floods and both well-being and life satisfaction. The results support our hypothesis that social identification attenuates the relationship between threat perception and well-being, such that the relation is weaker for more strongly identified individuals. Contrary to our expectations, we did not find this buffering effect to be present for life satisfaction. Future resilience studies should further explore social identity as a resilience factor and how it operates in reducing environmental stress put on individuals and groups. Further, to help communities living in flood-prone areas better cope with future environmental stress, we recommend implementing interventions strengthening their social identities and hence collective resilience.

Internal Motivation Buffers the Negative Effect of Identity Incompatibility on Newcomers’ Social Identification and Well-Being

2015 ◽  
Vol 46 (6) ◽  
pp. 335-344 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christina Matschke ◽  
Jennifer Fehr
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Field Studies ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Social Identities ◽  
Exchange Students ◽  
Internal Motivation ◽  
Negative Effect ◽  
Group Member

Abstract. Newcomers who enter a new group usually possess a number of established social identities. It has been demonstrated that incompatibility between established and new identities decreases social identification with the new group and well-being. We propose that internal motivation to become a group member helps newcomers to identify with their group despite incompatibility. Therefore, it was predicted that only newcomers low (but not high) in internal motivation to become a group member were affected by incompatibility. One experiment with university newcomers and two field studies with exchange students and university newcomers supported these predictions. The results highlight the fact that internal motivation is a strong resource when newcomers face obstacles, in the form of incompatibility between established and new identities.

Identification Processes in Online Groups

2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. 141-152 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alessandro Gabbiadini ◽  
Silvia Mari ◽  
Chiara Volpato ◽  
Maria Grazia Monaci
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Video Game ◽  
Strong Predictor ◽  
Group Identification ◽  
Role Playing ◽  
Group Behavior ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Virtual Group ◽  
Identification Processes ◽  
Online Video Games

Online video games are a popular leisure activity around the world; such virtual environments enable new ways for social identity to develop. This study investigated the motives affecting social identification processes in the massive multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG) World of Warcraft (WoW). In this video game, players interact with other players in a tridimensional virtual world through their avatar. A sample of 92 WoW players took part in a data collection Web survey. Building on the theory of social identity, we tested the predictive power of three identification motives: self-esteem enhancement, optimal distinctiveness, and uncertainty reduction. Additionally, considering previous research on MMORPGs, we added identification with the game character and membership duration as further predictors of virtual group identification. The construct of virtual group identification was analyzed at two levels: identification with the faction and guild of the character. Furthermore, the current study was a first attempt to understand whether online identification may lead to group behavior such as evaluative ingroup bias. Our results indicated that traditional motivational theories of social identity were mostly confirmed. Moreover, identification with the avatar emerged as a strong predictor of group identity. Additionally, at both levels of analysis, group attachment led to an evaluative differentiation between the ingroup and outgroup. The findings are discussed in light of modern theories of social identity and media research.

When history perpetuates stereotypes and narratives: The burden of historical representations on the well-being of Africans living in Europe

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond Boateng
Keyword(s):  
Social Identity ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
Potential Impact ◽  
Historical Representations ◽  
Mediational Role ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Harmful Effects

Previous research outlined that historical representations of different groups underlie stereotypes and prejudice. Considering the gap in the literature on historical representations and their potential impact on well-being, this study tested hypotheses concerning historical representations of Africans (N = 225) in Europe in relation to well-being outcomes in that population. Furthermore, the study tested the mediational role of stereotype confirmation concerns and social identification in the relationship between historical representations and well-being. Consistent with the predictions, historical representations were associated with poorer well-being. Particularly, historical representations were related to increased anxiety and low self-esteem through their relationship with stereotype confirmation concerns. Social identity mitigated the harmful effects of historical representations on self-esteem. However social identity did not mediate the relationship between historical representations and anxiety. The findings highlight the effects of historical representations on well-being.

First Nations Community Well-Being Research and Large Data Sets: A Respectful Caution

2017 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 15-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexandra S. Drawson ◽  
Aislin R. Mushquash ◽  
Christopher J. Mushquash
Keyword(s):  
First Nations ◽  
Social Determinants ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Large Data Sets ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Nations People ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Traditional Language ◽  
First Nations People

Health researchers are increasingly encouraged to use large, community-level data sets to examine factors that promote or diminish health, including social determinants. First Nations people in Canada experience disparity in a range of social determinants of health that result in relatively low community well-being scores, when compared to non-First Nations people. However, First Nations people also possess unique protective factors that enhance well-being, such as traditional language usage. Large data sets offer First Nations a new avenue for advocating for supports and services to decrease health inequity while developing culture-based evidence. However, care must be taken to ensure that these data are interpreted appropriately. In this paper, we respectfully offer a cautionary note on the importance of understanding culture and context when conducting First Nations health research with large data sets. We have framed this caution through a narrative presentation of a simple and concrete example. We then outline some approaches to research that can ensure appropriate development of research questions and interpretation of research findings.

Perceived Discrimination, Ethnic Identity, and Psychological Well-Being Among Arab Americans

2018 ◽  
Vol 46 (7) ◽  
pp. 899-921 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rawan Atari ◽  
Suejung Han
Keyword(s):  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Ethnic Identity ◽  
Perceived Discrimination ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Self Esteem ◽  
Arab Americans ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Identity Resolution ◽  
Negative Effect

In this study, we examined associations among perceived discrimination, ethnic identity dimensions (exploration, resolution, affirmation), and psychological well-being (self-esteem, life satisfaction, flourishing) among 156 Arab Americans. Multiple moderated regression analyses revealed that perceived discrimination was negatively associated, and ethnic identity resolution and affirmation were positively associated, with psychological well-being. Ethnic identity affirmation moderated the association between perceived discrimination and flourishing by buffering the negative effect of perceived discrimination. Ethnic identity resolution and exploration did not moderate the associations between perceived discrimination and psychological well-being. Affirmation both promoted and protected well-being, resolution promoted well-being, and exploration was not associated with promoting or protecting well-being. We discuss implications to help Arab American clients develop and capitalize on their ethnic identity, promote their well-being, and buffer against perceived discrimination.

Living standards in the past: new perspectives on well-being in Asia and Europe By Robert C. Allen, Tommy Bengtsson and Martin Dribe, eds. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. Pp. xxii + 472. ISBN 0-19-928068-1

2006 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 289-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Booth
Keyword(s):  
Labour Force ◽  
Large Data ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Living Standards ◽  
Large Data Sets ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Household Surveys ◽  
Absolute Poverty ◽  
Oxford University ◽  
The Past

We live in an age of increasingly abundant statistical information. The advent of more large data sets obtained from household surveys, as well as from population censuses, labour force surveys, economic censuses and so on, has facilitated reasonably accurate estimates of income and expenditures for households in many parts of the world. These estimates can in turn be used to estimate a number of distributional indicators, as well as estimates of relative and absolute poverty. In addition better census coverage has permitted estimates of infant and child mortality rates, life expectancies, literacy rates and indicators of educational attainment. Such data have in turn been used to estimate composite indicators of wellbeing such as the Human Development Index, not just for entire countries but often for regions within countries as well.

How does school climate impact academic achievement? An examination of social identity processes

2017 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 78-97 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katherine J. Reynolds ◽  
Eunro Lee ◽  
Isobel Turner ◽  
David Bromhead ◽  
Emina Subasic
Keyword(s):  
Academic Achievement ◽  
Academic Success ◽  
School Climate ◽  
Social Identity ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Climate Impact ◽  
Social Identification ◽  
School Identification ◽  
Identity Processes

In explaining academic achievement, school climate and social belonging (connectedness, identification) emerge as important variables. However, both constructs are rarely explored in one model. In the current study, a social psychological framework based on the social identity perspective (Turner, Hogg, Oakes, Reicher, & Wetherell, 1987) is introduced that provides a way to integrate these two areas of enquiry. Using this framework, the current study ( N = 340 grade 7 and 9 students) investigates: (a) school climate and social identification as distinct predictors of academic achievement; and (b) social identification as a mediator of the school climate and achievement relationship. Achievement in reading, numeracy and writing was assessed by a national standardized test. The three variables most significantly associated with achievement were parental education, socio-economic status, and school identification. In line with predictions, school identification fully mediated the relationship between school climate and academic achievement in numeracy and writing, but not reading. The research highlights the importance of feeling psychologically connected to the school as a group for academic success.

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