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Negational categorization and intergroup behavior.

Chen-Bo Zhong1, Katherine W Phillips, Geoffrey J Leonardelli

  • 1University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. chenbo.zhong@rotman.utoronto.ca

Personality & Social Psychology Bulletin
|April 9, 2008
PubMed
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Defining oneself by what one is not (negational identity) increases distinctiveness and outgroup derogation. Highlighting connections to similar others can reduce this effect, offering insights into collective identity.

Area of Science:

  • Social Psychology
  • Identity and Intergroup Relations

Background:

  • Individuals define themselves both by their affirmed identities (e.g., psychologist) and by negating identities (e.g., not an economist).
  • Existing theories of social identity, optimal distinctiveness, and balance provide a framework for understanding identity construction.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the nature of negational identity in comparison to affirmational identity.
  • To explore conditions that enhance negational identification and its impact on intergroup behavior.

Main Methods:

  • Four studies were conducted, including one investigating factors increasing negational identification.
  • Three studies examined the effects of negational versus affirmational categorization on outgroup derogation.
  • Interventions focused on highlighting connections to similar others were employed.

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Main Results:

  • Activating the need for distinctiveness increased the accessibility of negational identities.
  • Negational categorization led to increased outgroup derogation compared to affirmational categorization.
  • Outgroup derogation was mitigated when connections to similar others were emphasized under negational categorization.

Conclusions:

  • Negational identity plays a distinct role in self-definition and intergroup dynamics.
  • The tendency for negational identity to increase outgroup derogation may stem from a focus on self-other contrast.
  • Understanding negational identity is crucial for a comprehensive view of collective identity and intergroup behavior.