Identity negotiation: Where two roads meet.

Abstract

This article traces a program of research on the interplay between social thought and social interaction. Early investigations of the impact of perceivers' expectancies on the actions of target individuals illuminated the contribution of perceivers to the identity negotiation process but overlooked the role of targets. The research discussed here is based on the assumption that targets play an active role in the identity negotiation process. Specifically, just as perceivers strive to validate their expectancies, targets seek to verify their self-views. The nature and antecedents of the processes through which people verify their self-conceptions as well as the relationship of these activities to self-concept change and self-enhancement processes are discussed. This research suggests that perceivers and targets enter their interactions with independent and sometimes conflicting agendas that are resolved through a process of identity negotiation. The identity negotiation process therefore provides a theoretical context in which the interplay between other-perception and self-perception can be understood.A little over a decade ago, Mark Snyder and I became interested in the self-fulfilling nature of social beliefs. We were particularly interested in behavioral confirmation, a process whereby the expectancies of some individuals (perceivers) channel social interaction so as to cause the behavior of other individuals (targets) to confirm perceivers' expectancies. In our research, for example,

“How European am I?”: Prejudice Expression and the Presentation of Social Identity

“…Expressing group norms can be viewed as fulfilling one of the main functions of self-presentation: constructing a public identity consistent with one's self-view (Baumeister, 1982;Swann, 1987;Swann andRead, 1981a, 1981b). By expressing norms that are consistent with those of the group, people can precisely verify their identity publicly.…”

“…Reactions from others contribute to defining whether a specific identity may be legitimately applied to the self or not (Deaux and Ethier, 1998;Mead, 1934;Swann, 1987).…”

Prosocial response to client-instigated victimization: The roles of forgiveness and workgroup conflict.

“…For example, self-verification theory (Swann, 1987) has been invoked in research on abusive relationships to explain why individuals with low self-esteem are less likely to respond negatively to poor treatment. When treatment by another individual aligns with one's selfconcept ("I deserve to be treated this way"), positive attitudinal outcomes ensue (Shantz & Booth, 2014).…”

Determinants of self-concept change in new environments

“…Although self-verification theory allows for self-concept change, the change process requires a conscious awareness that the current self-concept differs from a previous self concept, which suggests that a change has already occurred. This noted discrepancy between the current self and a previous self can occur through simple maturation (developmental changes) or through a discrepancy between one's current self view and interaction partners' views of oneself (Swann, 1987). Swann recognizes that for change to occur, the social environment must support the new view (Swann, 1987).…”

“…Changing the self) even for the better, may be forsaken in the interest of self-consistency. One of the major theories stressing self-concept maintenance is self verification theory (Swann, 1983(Swann, , 1987). Although self-verification theory allows for self-concept change, the change process requires a conscious awareness that the current self-concept differs from a previous self concept, which suggests that a change has already occurred.…”