The more (and the more compatible) the merrier: Multiple group memberships and identity compatibility as predictors of adjustment after life transitions

Abstract

Two longitudinal studies considered the role of social identity factors in predicting well-being after students' transition to university. The transition (assessed before starting university and after 2 months at university) had a detrimental effect on well-being, but identification as a university student improved well-being. Both studies showed that the social context in which the change occurred either facilitated or hindered university identification. Specifically, perceived compatibility between old and new identities and having multiple group memberships (which were each influenced by social class background, Study 2) both increased likelihood of identification with the new group. These predictive relationships remained statistically reliable when controlling for other factors relevant to the transition. The results suggest that life transitions are difficult partly because they entail changes in group membership. Both studies also demonstrate that identification with a new group can help buffer individuals from the negative well-being consequences of change.

Ageing well in a foreign land as a process of successful social identity change

“…In line with SIMIC, this prevented them from developing a sense of continuity between pre-migration and post-migration identities and it stood in the way of gaining new social connections. Moreover, and in line with SIMIC, there was evidence that those who saw their old identities as compatible, rather than conflicting, with new identities reported higher well-being and adjustment (Iyer et al, 2008, 2009). …”

“…That is, even though SIMIC pathways have been examined among people with acquired brain injury (Haslam et al, 2008; Jones et al, 2012) and students entering university (Iyer et al, 2009; Jetten et al, 2008), SIMIC has not yet been explored in the context of identity change that involves migration from one country to another. Moreover, even though SIMIC predictions had been examined in the context of identity change among older adults, these samples were limited to participants from Western cultures (e.g., Gleibs, Haslam, Haslam, & Jones, 2011; Haslam et al, 2010).…”

“…There is some evidence in a range of contexts, varying from coming to terms with acquired brain injury (Jones et al, 2012) to entering university (Iyer, Jetten, Tsivrikos, Postmes, & Haslam, 2009), that the negative consequences of identity change are attenuated when people readily take on new social identities or join new groups. This is because social identities derived from group memberships can provide a basis for the provision and receipt of social support and help people to reorient to new situations and contexts (Iyer et al, 2009). …”

“…For new groups to provide a positive basis for support, it helps that they are ones that matter to us (i.e., one’s we identify with) and that they are compatible with old identities (Iyer et al, 2009; Jetten, Iyer, Tsivrikos, & Young, 2008). Likewise, for social identity continuity to be beneficial for well-being, the new and the old identities need to be compatible.…”

“…The beneficial effects of belonging to multiple social groups (Iyer et al, 2009) might also contribute to understanding enhanced well-being with integration. The latter may be due to the fact that individuals who benefit from both identity maintenance and gain (i.e., through maintaining links with their identity of origin and taking on the new host identity) have more psychological resources at their disposal than those who are only connected to one cultural group (e.g., because the latter have adopted a separation or an assimilation acculturation strategy; Berry, 2017).…”