Effect of collective continuity on individual well-being.

Abstract

Perceived collective (or group) continuity (PCC) is the perception of a link between a group’s past, present, and future in both aspects: via permanent cultural traits (e.g., values, beliefs, traditions, habits) that are transmitted (essentialist PCC) or historical group events that are part of a causal-effect chain (narrativist PCC). PCC has not been investigated in the particular historical context of France. Moreover, previous studies have often focused on the beneficial effects of PCC as a whole (i.e., without considering these two dimensions independently), such as on social well-being (e.g., Sani et al., 2007). The initial objective of this research (Study 1), using a cross-sectional design, was to validate a French version of the PCC scale. Results showed that PCC had psychometric qualities that were quite satisfactory. This research also aimed, using a longitudinal design (Study 2), to test whether PCC and essentialist PCC, more than narrativist PCC, had a positive mediated effect on individual well-being (here satisfaction with personal life). Hypotheses were partially confirmed. But in general, the more French participants perceived collective continuity and the more they perceived their group to be an entity, the more strongly they identified with their group and the more satisfied they were with their life. These results and the experimental limits allow us to propose a set of recommendations and reflections for future research on collective continuity, and their bearing on and implications for individual and group dynamics.