Thomas, William E, Brown, Rupert, Easterbrook, Matthew J, Vignoles, Vivian L, Manzi, Claudia, D'Angelo, Chiara and Holt, Jeremy J (2017) Social identification in sports teams: the role of personal, social and collective identity motives. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 43 (4). pp. 508-523. ISSN 0146-1672

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Abstract

Based on motivated identity construction theory (MICT, Vignoles, 2011), we offer an integrative approach examining the combined roles of six identity motives (self-esteem, distinctiveness, belonging, meaning, continuity and efficacy) instantiated at three different motivational levels (personal, social and collective identity) as predictors of group identification. These identity processes were investigated among 369 members of 45 sports teams from England and Italy in a longitudinal study over 6 months with 4 time points. Multilevel change modelling and cross-lagged analyses showed that satisfaction of four personal identity motives (individuals’ personal feelings of self-esteem, distinctiveness, meaning, and efficacy derived from team membership), three social identity motives (individuals’ feelings that the team identity carries a sense of belonging, meaning, and continuity) and one collective identity motive (a shared belief in group distinctiveness) significantly predicted group identification. Motivational processes underlying group identification are complex, multi-layered, and not reducible to personal needs.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of Psychology > Psychology
Depositing User:	Ellena Adams
Date Deposited:	20 Jan 2017 15:04
Last Modified:	03 Jul 2017 19:13
URI:	http://sro.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/66366

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