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The present study examines the effects of group status on self-esteem when individuals are outperformed by an in-group target (Experiments I and 2) or an out-group (Experiment 2). The main aim was to examine different self-protective mechanisms when the current standing of the in-group vis-à-vis another group is either unfavourable (low status) or favourable (high status). Experiment I showed that when outperformed by an in-group target, the members of a low status group reported higher self-esteem than members of a high status group. Moreover, this effect was mediated by group identification. Experiment 2 replicated the previous results and gave rise to similar effects on investment in the group. The perceived relevance of the comparison group appeared to protect the self-esteem of high status group members. This research demonstrates the mediating role of self-protection mechanisms such as group identification and the perceived relevance of a comparison group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Past research on the social identity approach to attitude-behaviour relations has operationalized group norms as a mixture of both descriptive information (i.e. what most people do themselves) and injunctive information (i.e. what most people approve of). Two experiments (Study 1 = 185 participants; Study 2 = 238 participants) were conducted to tease apart the relative effects of descriptive and injunctive group norms. In both studies, university students' attitudes towards current campus issues were obtained, the descriptive and injunctive group norms were manipulated, and participants' post-manipulation attitudes, behavioural willingness, and behaviour were assessed. Study 2 also examined the role of norm source (i.e. in-group vs. out-group injunctive and descriptive norms). In both studies, the injunctive and descriptive in-group norms interacted significantly to influence attitudes, behavioural willingness, and behaviour. Study 2 revealed that out-group norms were largely ineffective. The research illustrates that in-groups interactively influence decisions, not only by what they say, but also by what they do, and asserts the value of considering the interaction of descriptive and injunctive norms in accounts of normative influence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How does a representative's position in the group influence behaviour in intergroup negotiation? Applying insights from the social identity approach (specifically self-categorization theory), the effects of group member prototypicality, accountability and group attractiveness on competitiveness in intergroup bargaining were examined. As representatives of their group, participants engaged in a computer-mediated negotiation with a simulated out-group opponent. In Experiment 1 (N = 114), representatives with a peripheral status in the group sent more competitive and fewer cooperative messages to the opponent than did prototypical representatives, but only under accountability. Experiment 2 (N = 110) replicated this finding, and showed that, under accountability, peripherals also made higher demands than did prototypicals, but only when group membership was perceived as attractive. Results are discussed in relation to impression management and strategic behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effects of identification with one's group on memory of stereotype consistent and inconsistent information about one's group were examined in two studies. In the first study, we focused on supporters of a low status soccer team, and observed that diehard fans were more likely to remember stereotype-inconsistent results of their team than fair-weather fans. This pattern was replicated in a second study, which was executed among supporters of a high status soccer team. We discuss the implications of these results for the role of motivational factors such as in-group identification in cognitive social psychology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]