The buffering role of in‐group identification and intergroup contact on the association between perceived discrimination and mental health

Abstract

Previous research has shown that disadvantaged group members cope with the negative effects of perceived discrimination (PD) on mental health using various mechanisms. We examined the potential protective role of two processes—in‐group identification and intergroup contact—on the association between PD and mental health (anxiety and depression) among physically disabled adults (N = 269, Mage = 39.13, SD = 13.80). Intergroup contact, but not in‐group identification, had a buffering role on the association between PD and both depression and anxiety. However, this effect was further moderated by in‐group identification such that high levels of intergroup contact had a protective role against PD, only when in‐group identification was low. Findings highlight the importance of evaluating various social–psychological processes interactively in creating a resilient outlook among disadvantaged groups.

How intergroup social connections shape immigrants’ responses to social exclusion

“…Begeny and Huo (2017) found that minority-group members with greater group identity centrality tended to perceive more discrimination and social threats, which negatively affected their psychological health (see also Rubin & Stuart, 2018; Sellers & Shelton, 2003). These findings are in line with those showing that minority-group members highly identified with their ingroup were more vulnerable to the effect of perceived discrimination or other social threats (Bagci et al, 2018b; Eccleston & Major, 2006; Major, Quinton, & Schmader, 2003; McCoy & Major, 2003; Noh, Beiser, Kaspar, Hou, & Rummens, 1999; Yoo & Lee, 2008). Social exclusion would thus greatly affect the psychological condition of those immigrants who are mostly connected and in turn identified with other immigrants.…”

“…The result that social connections with the native majority protected from the negative psychological consequences of social exclusion is consistent with existing theories regarding the beneficial power of social connections (Baumeister & Leary, 1995), the advantages of the bridging social capital (e.g., Marschall & Stolle, 2004), and the positive outcomes of intergroup social contact (e.g., Bagci & Turnuklu, 2018). Positive social connections with majority groups may promote a sense of belonging, integration, and acceptance in society, thus protecting devalued minorities from the negative consequences of social exclusion (Bagci, Turnuklu, & Bekmezci, 2018a, 2018b; Mendoza-Denton & Page-Gould, 2008).…”

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

“…25,27 Research evidences of different paradigms showed that intergroup contact may positively relieve loneliness, as both longitudinal and horizontal studies have proved the positive effects of intergroup contact on individual problem-solving, cognitive flexibility, creativity, well-being and mental health in multiple groups, including cross-hukou-regional, ethnic, gender and country. 26,[28][29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36] Specifically, an intergenerational technology program brings disparate age groups together to interact in meaningful activities, resulting in effectively reducing loneliness for older adults. 29 Our hypothesis thus is that intergroup contact may alleviate loneliness.…”

Intimate intergroup contact across the lifespan

“…Research examining these processes at an intergroup level have mainly investigated cross‐group friendship and demonstrated some positive effects. For example, cross‐group friendships have been found to be associated with improved psychological health and well‐being of adults with physical disabilities (Bagci et al., 2018), protected psychological well‐being of adolescents and children from the negative consequences of perceived ethnic discrimination (Bagci et al., 2014; Benner & Wang, 2017) and negative contact (Paolini et al., 2014), improved college students’ institutional belongingness and satisfaction (Mendoza‐Denton & Page‐Gould, 2008), improved psychological well‐being in both minority and majority students, via self‐disclosure and self‐affirmation (Bagci et al., 2017). There is also some evidence, however, that cross‐group friendship can be negatively associated with health and well‐being.…”