A MULTIDIMENSIONAL APPROACH TO GROUP IDENTITY, OPTIMISM AND CRISIS PERCEPTION

Abstract

Research has documented the relevance of group identity and optimism in relation to crisis perception. Yet, direct investigations into these relationships are scarce. This thesis addresses this by taking a multidimensional approach to studying group identity, optimism and crisis perception. Specifically, Roccas, Sagiv, Schwartz, Halevy & Eidelson (2008)’s multidimensional model of group identification and general optimism were used to explain variance in crisis perception that is defined three ways: perceived likelihood, resilience and general concern. In general, we predicted that distinct group identity dimensions of commitment and superiority will relate with general optimism and crisis perception differentially due to differing underlying motivations. Partial support for hypotheses are found. Correlational analyses indicate that both dimensions affect crisis perception in similar directions: both were unrelated to perceived crisis likelihood, both significantly and positively related to perceived crisis resilience, and both were unrelated to general concern over crisis. Further regression and mediational analyses show that general optimism mediates the relationship between the two dimensions and perceived crisis resilience, and it reveals a hidden positive direct effect between the two dimensions and general concern. These results have important implications for theoretical study of crisis perception and practical crisis management.