Can Identity Buffer Against the Detrimental Effects of Threat? The Case of the Qatar Blockade

Abstract

In 2017, the blockade of Qatar Gulf states caused a plethora of effects on the country. This paper sought to examine the resulting threat effects of this blockade in terms of lowered self-esteem and well-being, and the potential buffering effects of an overarching identity. Using self-report questionnaire data from Qatari secondary school students (N = 1,410), multiple moderated mediation models investigated the predictive effects of youngsters’ perceived threat, via self-esteem, on their well-being, and the mitigating roles herein of, respectively, national, Gulf region, and Arab identity. Perceived threat was indeed related to lower well-being via lower self-esteem, and this relationship was equally strong for those low and high in social identity. In terms of the three facets of identity, the overarching Gulf identity seems the most predictive, and it even (marginally significantly) buffers the negative relationship between threat and reduced self-esteem.

The Representation of Unity, Social Sustainability, and National Identity in the Linguistic Landscape of Doha, Qatar

“…The use of English on signs can be viewed from another angle. Over the past few decades, the Qatari government has made various attempts to introduce itself as a local and international power by developing its economic, tourism, sport, humanitarian, and political profiles [47,48]. Of course, the audience of this development and international stance is not limited to neighboring Arab countries; therefore, using English in the linguistic landscape can facilitate the transfer of messages related to power, unity, and independence to other the regional and international powers.…”

Psychological responses to political hostility: a study on aggression, bullying, and well-being in Qatar

“…Furthermore, the blockade has considerably impacted the collective national identities of individuals in the region. Specifically, the sense of Khaleeji identity among children has declined, while Qatari identity has become more desired (Amin et al, 2022 )…”

“…The blockade crisis elicited complex emotions among offspring born to Qatari mothers but perceived as non-Qataris, exposing them to a profound sense of shame and an identity crisis. A study by Amin et al ( 2022 ) and J. S. Mitchell and Al-Hammadi ( 2020 ) illuminates how these individuals grapple with feelings of self-deprecation and rejection of their non-Qatari heritage in the face of heightened nationalism among Qataris. The blockade’s impact on national identity has reshaped the Khaleeji identity landscape, potentially increasing social divisions and marginalizing those who do not conform to traditional notions of citizenship and belonging.…”

Intergroup conflict and national identity: The role of exposure to verbal assault, media influences, and desire for self‐reliance

“…This conflict may cause physical, verbal, or psychological violence between the groups (Hewstone & Greenland, 2000; Tropp, 2012). Below, we highlight the origins of the intergroup conflict in the Gulf area, which started out peacefully and with benevolent, solidarity‐based intentions (Amin et al., 2022). The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is composed of six Arab states (the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the Kingdom of Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, and Oman) and has been formed in 1981.…”