Who Are We? Social Identity and Psychological Well-being

Abstract

Social identification – the perception of the self as an exemplar of a social category – forms an essential part of an individual’s identity. Previous studies have found a relationship between various forms of social identity (e.g., ethnic, religious, national) and psychological well-being. The current research examines whether strength of social identification, regardless of specific identity and pattern of acquisition, correlates with life satisfaction, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, and stress. One hundred and two participants completed an internet survey including the MultiComponent Social Identity Scale and multiple measures of psychological well-being. Results indicated that the strength of social identification predicted life satisfaction and self-esteem, controlling for demographic and clinical (i.e., depression, anxiety, and stress) variables. Possessing a strong social identity of any type appears to be an important correlate of life satisfaction and selfesteem. Potential implications for clinical work are discussed.