Psychology of groups Flashcards
(18 cards)
Describe the need to belong theory
The need to belong is as important to humans as food and shelter.
How does the need to belong theory differ from attachment theory?
Focuses on significant social relationships not necessarily the caregiver
Other relationships important in early development
What two aspects of the relationship must be met for need to belong to be satisfied
Having positive and pleasant interactions with others
Interactions must be in the context of stable and lasting relationships
What are two important concepts of need to belong theory
Satiation - we seek out new relationships when we have enough existing ones
Substitution - lost relationships can be replaces
How can need to belong differ for individuals
High need to belong - strong desire to be accepted into social interactions, strong reactions to exclusion
Low need to belong - desire fewer close relationships although a minimum number still important
Define social identities
Characteristics of the social groups we belong to - we share because we belong to a group
Define personal identities
Our traits, characteristics & the roles we play in relationships - differentiate us within our groups
Define categorisation in social identity theory
Categorisation - Grouping others based on their observable characteristics
Define identification in social identity theory
Identification - groups that we perceive ourselves to belong to
Define comparison in social identity theory
Comparing between ‘us’ and ‘them’ (in-group and out-group)
Define in-groups and out-groups
In-groups are when we are a member of a group that we identify with
Out groups are social groups with which we do not identify
What is meant by group prototypes in social identity theory
Collection of attributes used to define members of a particular group, we behave in accordance of our in-groups prototypes and treat out-group in accordance to theirs
Do we overestimate the abilities of the in-group?
Yes, we have a positive in-group bias
How do we perceive the out-group?
Bias against an out-group is due to an absence of positivity compared to in-group. In high arousal situations can lead to strong emotions against out-group
What psychological resources stem from relationships and belonging?
Connectedness and positive orientation to others
Meaning, purpose and worth
Social support
Control and power
How do social relationships influence risk for mortality?
Adequate social relationships had a 50% greater likelihood for survival
Is belonging to multiple groups more beneficial?
Those who reported belonging to multiple groups less likely to have taken depression medication and lower depression scores
What is the social cure?
Using social integration as a way of improving health
