Uncertainty and group identification: Moderation by warmth and competence as cues to inclusion and identity validation
Abstract Drawing upon uncertainty identity theory, we argue that self uncertainty creates a motivated mindset in which people desire to have their social identity validated thorough inclusion, and that this transforms the meaning of group warmth and competence to cue inclusion. US College students (N 289) participated in an on line experiment in which self uncertainty and the perceived warmth and competence of their college were primed, and group identification was measured as the dependent variable. As predicted, the three way interaction significantly affected group identification. Specifically, uncertainty weakened identification with cold but competent groups. We also found that uncertainty strengthened identification with cold and incompetent groups. This research highlights the preference for certain group attributes under uncertainty.