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Related Experiment Videos

Attachment to groups: theory and measurement.

E R Smith1, J Murphy, S Coats

  • 1Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907-1364, USA. esmith@psych.purdue.edu

Journal of Personality and Social Psychology
|August 6, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Attachment theory offers new insights into group identification. Research shows group attachment anxiety and avoidance predict emotions, social support, and conflict resolution, enhancing understanding of psychological ties to groups.

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Area of Science:

  • Social Psychology
  • Group Dynamics
  • Attachment Theory

Background:

  • Group identification is crucial for self-concept and social behavior.
  • Attachment theory, successful in close relationships, offers a potential framework for understanding group ties.
  • Existing measures of group identification may not capture the nuances of psychological connection.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To adapt attachment theory concepts to understand group identification.
  • To develop and validate measures of group attachment anxiety and avoidance.
  • To examine the predictive validity of group attachment for various social and emotional outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • Three studies were conducted involving scale development and validation.
  • Measures of group attachment (anxiety and avoidance) were assessed for reliability, validity, and stability.

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  • Correlations were examined between group attachment dimensions and other relevant psychological constructs.

    • Main Results:

    • Two dimensions of group attachment, anxiety and avoidance, were reliably and validly measured.
    • Group attachment dimensions were distinct from individual relationship attachment and general group identification.
    • Group attachment significantly predicted collective self-esteem, social support, group-related emotions, and conflict resolution strategies.

    Conclusions:

    • Attachment theory provides a valuable lens for understanding psychological bonds with groups.
    • Group attachment, characterized by anxiety and avoidance, influences individual and group functioning.
    • This framework offers novel insights into the dynamics of social identity and belonging.