Hiding Uncertain Me in the Crowd: Avoidance-Oriented Affiliation Defense to Self-Uncertainty

Abstract

Purpose This study explored how individuals cope with self-uncertainty by subconsciously affiliating with groups. Specifically, we investigated whether this affiliation is driven by avoiding isolation rather than pursuing group identity or entitativity. Methods In Study 1, we recruited 50 undergraduate students and employed the Affect Misattribution Procedure (AMP) to measure implicit attitudes toward affiliation and isolation after inducing self-uncertainty. In Study 2, 70 participants were presented with images of abstract human avatars representing different group sizes to assess their preference for group affiliation under conditions of induced self-uncertainty. Results Study 1 revealed that individuals experiencing self-uncertainty exhibited a significantly more negative implicit attitude towards isolation than affiliation, with no significant positive shift towards group affiliation. Study 2 further supported these findings by demonstrating a pronounced tendency for self-uncertain individuals to prefer larger, cohesive groups (affiliation) and to report greater feelings of safety within such groups, indicating avoidance of isolation as a critical driver. Conclusion The findings suggest that individuals experiencing self-uncertainty instinctively seek refuge in groups as a defense mechanism against isolation rather than for identity validation. This avoidance-oriented affiliation underscores a fundamental psychological process for managing self-uncertainty, highlighting the importance of social proximity in alleviating feelings of insecurity.