TY - JOUR

T1 - Paradoxes of praise

T2 - Identity-inconsistent praise results in praise-inconsistent responses

AU - Rabinovich, Anna

AU - Morton, Thomas A.

PY - 2017/8/1

Y1 - 2017/8/1

N2 - In four experimental studies, we explored the effect of consistency between central group values and the content of group-directed praise on group-based esteem, group identification, and willingness to express attitudes and intentions (in)consistent with the content of praise. Study 1 used pre-existing groups with clearly defined central values, Study 2 relied on individual differences in perceptions of central group values within the same social group, and Studies 3 and 4 manipulated the centrality of group values experimentally. The results demonstrated that identity-inconsistent praise resulted in lower group-based esteem (Studies 1–4), and reduced group identification (Study 4), as compared to identity-consistent praise. In addition, in all studies, identity-inconsistent praise led to stronger willingness to reaffirm (the ignored) central group characteristics than identity-consistent praise. The results are consistent with extensions of the self-verification approach to the collective self.

AB - In four experimental studies, we explored the effect of consistency between central group values and the content of group-directed praise on group-based esteem, group identification, and willingness to express attitudes and intentions (in)consistent with the content of praise. Study 1 used pre-existing groups with clearly defined central values, Study 2 relied on individual differences in perceptions of central group values within the same social group, and Studies 3 and 4 manipulated the centrality of group values experimentally. The results demonstrated that identity-inconsistent praise resulted in lower group-based esteem (Studies 1–4), and reduced group identification (Study 4), as compared to identity-consistent praise. In addition, in all studies, identity-inconsistent praise led to stronger willingness to reaffirm (the ignored) central group characteristics than identity-consistent praise. The results are consistent with extensions of the self-verification approach to the collective self.

KW - group identity

KW - responses to praise

KW - self-verification

UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85019745977&partnerID=8YFLogxK

U2 - 10.1002/ejsp.2243

DO - 10.1002/ejsp.2243

M3 - Journal article

AN - SCOPUS:85019745977

VL - 47

SP - 628

EP - 644

JO - European Journal of Social Psychology

JF - European Journal of Social Psychology

SN - 0046-2772

IS - 5

ER -