When Need Fulfillment Motivates: The Role of Significance Gain and Self-Expansion in Collective Mobilization

This research examined whether positive in-group experiences-specifically those fulfilling the need for significance and the need for self-expansion-predict intentions to engage in collective action. We also investigated whether these associations are stronger than those linked to negative emotions (e.g., significance loss), and whether they remain robust when controlling for known predictors of collective action.

Data were collected across three correlational studies (total N > 950) conducted in Poland and the United States. The studies used diverse sampling strategies, including a field study, an online survey, and a representative U.S.

Participants reported on their motivations and intentions to support various causes, including LGBTQ+ rights and political campaigns.

Across all studies, significance gain and self-expansion were consistent positive predictors of normative, pro-ingroup collective action. These factors generally showed stronger associations with collective action intentions than negative emotions, including significance loss. The predictive effects of these needs remained significant even when controlling for prior engagement, political orientation, group identification, perceived group efficacy, and anger at injustice.

Fulfillment of psychological needs for significance and self-expansion plays a robust and independent role in motivating collective action, beyond the influence of commonly studied negative emotional drivers.