The reciprocal relationship between social identity and adherence to group norms

The interplay of identity fusion, social norms, and pro-environmental behavior: an exploration using the dictator game

This research investigated how identity fusion with environmental issues interacts with social norms to shape pro-environmental behaviors, elucidating the psychological structure underlying environmental ideological engagement. Building upon a measure of identity fusion that captures both relational and doctrinal components of Zmigrod ideology framework, we found that higher identity fusion positively predicted donations to an environmental association in a Dictator Game paradigm. Importantly, results revealed an interaction between identity fusion and norm source on donation amounts. For individuals lower in environmental identity fusion, pro-environmental norms had a greater impact when originating from a source sharing their worldview (low-fused) compared to a distant group (high-fused). However, for individuals with high fusion, norm source proximity did not significantly impact donations. By illuminating this interplay between the relational and doctrinal facets of ideological thinking, this research advances understanding of the social and psychological motivators of environmental actions. These findings highlight the importance of considering identity alignment and social dynamics in fostering ecological engagement.

Optimizing sports performance in China: Investigating the influence of training, recovery, motivation, and environmental support within a moderation-mediation framework

The expansion of sports in China is astounding. Given the country's focus on athletic achievement, it is crucial to comprehend the different facets of sports. This research examines China's athletic success in training, recuperation, motivation, and environment. The moderation-mediation strategy is used to understand how these variables affect athletic performance. This study fills a gap in understanding Chinese players' on-field performance. The study examined 355 Chinese athletes from various regions and sports. The sample has a balanced gender distribution, diverse age distribution, and representation from various regions. Furthermore, training programs, recovery strategies, motivation, psychological well-being, support systems, and experience levels influence athletes' sports performance. The study reveals that the coefficients indicate that training, recuperation tactics, motivation, and support systems affect athletic performance. Psychological health emerges as a critical mediator in explaining the effects of these factors on performance outcomes. Additionally, athlete experience moderates the influence of these variables, highlighting nuanced differences. These findings offer crucial insights for enhancing the performance of Chinese athletes. By adopting a moderation-mediation approach, this research illuminates the interconnected dynamics among key components, enriching our understanding of avenues for athlete improvement. Specifically, the results underscore the interconnectedness of athletes' psychological well-being, on-field experience, and competitive performance, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions. This study could help Chinese politicians, sports psychologists, and coaches enhance athletes' performance.

Discrimination and social identity processes predict impairment and dysfunction among heavy drinkers

BACKGROUND

Previous research has linked discrimination to poorer health. Yet health risk behaviours such as heavy alcohol consumption are often targeted with stigmatising public health campaigns. The current study sought to establish the link between experiencing discrimination and health outcomes among heavy drinkers, with a focus on exploring the multiple social identity processes that might underpin this relationship.

METHODS

A survey was conducted with 282 people who self-reported consuming alcohol above recommended guidelines. We measured discrimination experienced as a drinker, components of social identification as a drinker (centrality, satisfaction, solidarity, homogeneity, and self-stereotyping), and two health outcomes: psychological distress and severity of alcohol use disorder symptomatology.

RESULTS

Discrimination was a moderate-large predictor of psychological distress and alcohol use disorder symptoms. Three social identity constructs were implicated in the link between discrimination and ill-health: identity centrality and homogeneity positively mediated this relationship while identity satisfaction was a negative mediator. The model explained a large proportion of the variance (39-47%) in health outcomes.

DISCUSSION

Results are interpreted with an emphasis on the need to avoid stigmatising messaging and to prioritise social identity processes to prevent and treat substance use disorders. We further highlight the need for social identity researchers to consider the multidimensional nature of social identities, especially in the context of stigmatised groups.

Psychosocial interventions and strategies to support young people at mass gathering events: a scoping review

OBJECTIVES

To improve health and safety outcomes at mass gathering events (MGEs) for young attendees, it is essential to understand the psychosocial factors that may influence behaviour so that the implementation of support strategies before, during and after MGEs can be developed to enhance outcomes. This review identifies the psychosocial outcomes that may occur at MGEs, including social connection, substance use, risky behaviours and psychological distress and examines what interventions have been implemented to target these outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

Scoping review.

METHODS

This study examined MGE psychosocial interventions with predominantly youth attendees was conducted using the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Papers were collected from the databases CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase and PsycINFO. Titles and abstracts were scanned for relevance, followed by a full-text screening. Information relevant to the research question was extracted from papers meeting the inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

Twenty-six papers met the inclusion criteria. The psychosocial factors that were most studied included social influence, social interactions and psychological stressors, which lead to behaviours such as excessive alcohol consumption, drug taking, risky casual sex and risk taking amongst psychological factors of young attendees. Effective interventions implemented before or during MGEs, such as alcohol-free zones, antidrinking campaigns, psychoeducation and disapproval from parents with regard to drinking alcohol, showed promise in reducing harms.

CONCLUSION

Psychosocial interventions have the potential to reduce harms and enhance well-being for young people attending MGEs. This review has identified gaps and opportunities in the current literature with regard to psychosocial interventions and strategies to support young people at MGEs and makes recommendations to support the development and refinement of evidence-based interventions aimed at young MGE attendees.