Intergroup Contact Alleviates Loneliness: The Extensive Effect of Common Ingroup Identity

Abstract

Purpose Previous studies show that intergroup contact, through common ingroup identity, has impact on intergroup processes such as reducing intergroup bias, improving intergroup relations, etc. The effect of intergroup contact on individual psychological process (through common ingroup identity), however, needs further exploration. Based on the positive effect of both intergroup contact and ingroup identification on mental health and well-being, this article proposes and tests a new model of individual loneliness reduction through intergroup contact by promoting common ingroup identity. Methods A total of 263 majority ethnic members and 275 minority ethnic members from China participated in the survey. Intergroup contact, common ingroup identity and loneliness were measured at three time-points (T1-T3) over an 8-month period. Longitudinal mediation analysis and parallel process Latent Growth Curve Model for mediation are used for the examination of the indirect effect of common ingroup identity. Results Longitudinal mediation analysis showed that intergroup contact quality at T1 positively predicted common ingroup identity at T2, and common ingroup identity at T2 alleviated loneliness at T3. Intergroup contact quality at T1 was indirectly linked to loneliness at T3 via common ingroup identity at T2. The parallel process latent growth curve model for mediation confirmed the robustness of the indirect effect of common ingroup identity. In addition, the growth rate of the quality of intergroup contact increased the growth rate of common ingroup identity, but reduced the growth rate of loneliness. Conclusion The current study revealed the protectiveness of intergroup contact and common ingroup identity on loneliness, viz., intergroup contact reduces individual loneliness by promoting common ingroup identity, the implication being that intergroup contact and common ingroup identity should be taken into account in intervening process of loneliness prevention so that an individual’s physical and mental health could be better safeguarded.

RETRACTED: HEXACO as predictors of smartphone addiction in a college setting

“…Later, Li made a similar viewpoint that sincere and stable friendships had a relatively strong connection [ 30 ]. Moreover, Yu et al further advocated that being more positive and sincere during social activities could help individuals maintain healthy interpersonal relationships [ 31 ]. Furthermore, while analyzing the link between X and smartphone addiction, many scholars pointed out that individuals with benign relationships are not easily disturbed by smartphone addiction [ 32 , 33 ].…”

Longitudinal associations between intergroup contact and intergroup trust among adolescents in ethnic regions of China

“…In an environment where China is vigorously promoting cross-ethnic interactions, contact with peers from other ethnicities provides adolescents in ethnic regions with broader social interaction and support 32 . This may reduce feelings of loneliness through the establishment of cross-ethnic friendships and the formation of a shared identity 37 . This decrease in loneliness helps adolescents enhance interpersonal trust and generalize trust at the individual level towards friends from other ethnicities to positive attitudes towards the entire out-group 30 .…”

“…Furthermore, in the context of the new era of forging a strong sense of community among the Chinese nation, government, community, schools, media, and other entities vigorously promote and advance interethnic interactions 36 . Intergroup contact can also expand the perceived interethnic boundaries for adolescents in ethnic regions, helping them to gain more support and a sense of belonging to a common identity 37 , which similarly contributes to reducing adolescent loneliness. This reduction in loneliness, in turn, enhances their trust towards out-group members, as positive social experiences can alleviate fears and anxieties associated with intergroup interactions 29 , while simultaneously fostering positive feelings towards out-groups 34 , 35 .…”

The Association Between Group Identity and Post-Traumatic Growth in the Post COVID-19 Era: The Mediating Effect of Social-Emotional Competence

“…First, based on the positive correlation pathway between GI and PTG, we should pay attention to the development of adolescents’ GI or other group identities in society, and also realize the importance of the construction of adolescents’ relationships with groups and society, which helps them overcome the far-reaching effects of COVID-19 or other disasters. For instance, the establishment of supportive social networks and group identities 117 can help individuals alleviate the stress, psychological anxiety, and distress brought on by epidemics and disasters. 88 , 114 Second, we can incorporate social-emotional education into the curriculum to enhance the SEC of adolescents to help people better cope with trauma and distress and promote their PTG.…”