A Dark Side of Team Identification: Negative Effects in the Stress & Coping Process for Firefighters

Abstract

A significant amount of research has been devoted to understanding the benefits of both organizational and team identification. However, the processes outlined in social identity theory that are typically framed in a positive light because they encourage behavior that benefits the group (i.e., internalization of group norms) can just as easily have negative effects. In this study we examine the dark side of team identification by proposing a moderated-mediation model wherein the interaction between masculinity contest culture and team identification results in maladaptive coping (detachment and self-blame) and negative mental health outcomes. Our analysis was based on a time-lagged design with a sample of firefighters. Results confirmed that team identification can be a detriment in the stress and coping process as masculinity contest culture was indirectly related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) through maladaptive coping strategies when team identification was high but not when team identification was low. Our study advances social identity theory and theories of stress by illustrating how strong team identification can result in negative outcomes when team norms are dysfunctional.