Social Psychological Processes Research Articles

Managing to avert disaster: Explaining collective resilience at an outdoor music event

AbstractThere is considerable evidence that psychological membership of crowds can protect people in dangerous events, although the underlying social–psychological processes have not been fully investigated. There is also evidence that those responsible for managing crowd safety view crowds as a source of psychological danger, views that may themselves impact upon crowd safety; yet, there has been little examination of how such ‘disaster myths’ operate in practice. In a study of an outdoor music event characterized as a near disaster, analysis of questionnaire survey data (N = 48) showed that social identification with the crowd predicted feeling safe directly as well as indirectly through expectations of help and trust in others in the crowd to deal with an emergency. In a second study of the same event, qualitative analysis of interviews (N = 20) and of contemporaneous archive materials showed that, in contrast to previous findings, crowd safety professionals' references to ‘mass panic’ were highly nuanced. Despite an emphasis by some safety professionals on crowd ‘disorder’, crowd participants and some of the professionals also claimed that self‐organization in the crowd prevented disaster.

The Psychology of Home Environments

Homes are important: People devote much of their thought, time, and resources to selecting, modifying, and decorating their living spaces, and they may be devastated when their homes must be sold or are destroyed. Yet the empirical psychological literature says virtually nothing about the roles that homes might play in people’s lives. We argue that homes provide an informative context for a wide variety of studies examining how social, developmental, cognitive, and other psychological processes play out in a consequential real-world setting. The topic of homes is also well suited to collaborations with a diverse array of disciplines ranging from architecture and engineering to sociology and law. We illustrate the potential insights to be gained from studying homes with an exploratory study that maps the psychological ambiances (e.g., romance, comfort, togetherness) that people desire in their homes; we identify six broad ambiance dimensions (restoration, kinship, storage, stimulation, intimacy, productivity) that show mean differences across rooms. We connect these findings to existing work on situation selection in emotion regulation. These ideas provide only an initial foray into the domain of residential space, but they hint at the productive roles that homes and other spaces could play in psychological theorizing and research.

The realignment of offshoring frame disputes (OFD): an ethnographic ‘cultural’ analysis

In Information Systems (IS) research on cross-cultural issues, cultural categories are typically introduced as analytical labels that explain why and how organizational groups in different parts of the world act and think differently. However, broad cultural categories can also be discursively mobilized by organizational members as strategic adaptive resources. Drawing on an ethnographic study of offshoring frame disputes (OFD) in an Indian subsidiary unit of a large Western information technology (IT) organization, this paper explores how members actively invoke a series of beliefs about Western culture and implicitly position them as the binary opposite of Eastern (or Indian) culture. The findings demonstrate how the mobilization of such beliefs eventually plays a vital role in the reconciliation of four different types of OFD. Drawing on this analysis, I build a social–psychological process model that explains how frame extensions trigger a cognitive reorganization process, leading to the accomplishment of OFD realignment. The paper argues that discursively invoked binary cultural categories help maintain non-confrontational definitions of situations and sustain working relationships in IT offshoring environments. Furthermore, interpretations linked to cultural notions seem to reflexively take the offshore–onshore power differentials into account.

Why and how inequality matters.

In this article, I share some thoughts about how we might extend the study of mental health inequalities by drawing from key insights in sociology and sociological social psychology about the nature of inequality and the processes through which it is produced, maintained, and resisted. I suggest several questions from sociological research on stratification that could help us understand unexpected patterns of mental health inequalities. I also advocate for the analysis of "generic" social psychological processes through which inequalities are produced, maintained, and resisted within proximate social environments. I consider the role of two such processes--status/devaluation processes and identity processes--in mental health inequalities. I then discuss how we can strengthen connections across subfields of the sociology of mental health by applying status and identity theories to two areas of research: (1) help-seeking and (2) the effects of mental health problems on social attainments.

Social Psychological Processes that Facilitate Sexual Assault within the Fraternity Party Subculture

AbstractRape on the college campus has gained increasing amounts of attention in higher education, mainstream news, and public policy. The prevalence rates of rape are especially high among students who frequent campus parties, such as those hosted by fraternities. Researchers have described this increased risk by focusing on individual attitudes and behaviors of fraternity members or on the organizational norms and practices within the fraternity party subculture. To incorporate these studies into a single theoretical framework, this essay uses a social psychological approach to connect individual‐level attitudes, (sub)culture, and behavior. I describe and apply identity theory and affect control theory, two structural symbolic interactionist theories, to explain why certain men are drawn to high‐risk fraternities and how membership reinforces hostility toward and abuse of women. In doing so, I suggest several avenues for future research that would increase social psychological understanding of the heightened prevalence of sexual victimization within the fraternity party subculture.

How, Rather Than What Type of, Music Increases Empathy

In their article on music and empathy, Greenberg, Rentfrow and Baron-Cohen propose to employ the Emphasizing–Systemizing (E-S) theory as a framework for analyzing the intrapersonal and social psychological processes that underlie the capacity of music to promote empathy. In particular, the authors consider the implications of E-S theory for autism, and speculate about which types of music might be most effective for increasing empathy in individuals with autistic spectrum conditions (ASC). The main premise of the article is that different personality types, characterized as empathizers versus systemizers, prefer different types of music, and that the key for increasing empathy with music is to choose the type of music that is most associated with empathizers. This commentary attempts to shift the focus of analysis from the type of music, to the more fundamental mechanisms by which music in general may promote empathy. From this alternative perspective E-S theory leads to surprising theoretical predictions about music, empathy, and ASC.

Can Music Increase Empathy? Interpreting Musical Experience Through the Empathizing–Systemizing (E-S) Theory: Implications for Autism

Recent research has provided evidence that musical interaction can promote empathy. Yet little is known about the underlying intrapersonal and social psychological processes that are involved when this occurs. For example, which types of music increase empathy and which types decrease it; what role, if any, does empathy play in determining individual differences in musical preference, perception, and performance; or, how do these psychological underpinnings help explain the musical experiences of people with autism spectrum conditions (ASC). To address these questions we employ the Empathizing–Systemizing (E-S) theory as a fruitful framework in which to understand these music-related phenomena. Specifically, we explore how individual differences in musical preference, perception, and performance can be explained by E-S theory. We provide examples from open-ended descriptions of strong musical experiences to demonstrate the ways in which empathy and music inter-relate. Importantly, we discuss the implications for the study of autism, and for how music therapists and clinicians can use music as a tool in their work with individuals diagnosed with ASC.

Dynamics of institutionalized competition in the geography of inter-ethnic rivalry: The case of the Jarso and the Girhi in Eastern Ethiopia

This article analyses the dynamics of institutionalized competition in the geography of inter-ethnic rivalry between the Jarso and Girhi ethnic clans. The data required for the study was obtained from the retrospective reflections of the research participants regarding the origins, dynamics and outcomes of the local October 2004 referendum conducted to settle disputes over territorial and administrative issues. The perspectives used to analyse the processes and dynamics of inter-group competition were drawn mainly from social movement theories. To increase the methodological robustness of the analysis, we blend the political analysis of inter-group competition with the sociological dimension of identity framing and processes. We trace identity issues and processes as they occurred in concrete socio-political settings that influenced the shapes identities took and their concrete picture in inter-group competitions. We try also to identify and reconstruct causal patterns and processes of the competitions and their dynamics. We give due attention to the interactive dynamics of these conditions in shaping the social-psychological processes of competition and movement participation. We attempt to show how interaction between historical-political and contextual factors affected the energy of the mobilizing structures and their contested legitimizing narratives. Finally, we indicate the implications of the analysis for understanding and managing ethnic or identity politics of social movements.

Unhappier, But More Satisfied: Social Comparison and the Paradox of the Immigrant Satisfaction

One of the responses to the challenges posed by the need for immigrant integration is to better understand the socio-psychological mechanisms that govern their attitudes towards the receiving countries. It is known that these people are subjected to adaptation problems and discrimination. Also as a result of their lower socio-economic status, they are unhappier and more unsatisfied with their lives than natives (Melzer, 2011; Olgiati, Calvo, & Berkman, 2012; Safi, 2010). However, when they are asked about the social and political conditions in the host countries, they report higher satisfaction than the natives. This can be called “the immigration paradox” (Balţatescu, 2005, 2007).This was mainly explained by social comparison: immigrants compare the conditions in the receiving countries with those from the sending countries, which increase their satisfaction with societal conditions. However, it is expected that this effect will diminish in the second generation: these migrants would adapt their societal quality expectations to those of natives. In this study we explore the social psychological processes that underpin immigrant satisfaction, using data from 13 immigration countries collected in the first five rounds of the European Social Survey (2002-2010). Results generally confirm that in most of these countries the immigrants from first and second generations report lower levels of life satisfaction than the natives. While first generation immigrants display higher evaluations of the economy, political system, democracy, health and educational systems than the rest of the population, the second generation immigrants have a satisfaction with societal conditions similar with the natives. This partially confirm the assimilation thesis. Finding are discussed in relationship with theory of assimilation and social comparison. We infer that this results in an increase resolution of this group to stay in their receiving countries throughout the crisis, although the levels of dissatisfaction does not exclude the possibility of further riots in European suburbs.

Impact sourcing ventures and local communities: a frame alignment perspective

AbstractUsing qualitative methods, this paper explores how impact sourcing (ImS) ventures frame their activities to marginalized communities. In doing so, the paper attempts to unearth the social–psychological processes undergirding ImS strategies. The findings highlight the difficulties faced by ImS ventures in operationalizing their strategic intent. More specifically, the paper provides insights into how different and diverse framings are used by ImS ventures to influence the local community. From a strategic perspective, the paper suggests that framings related to progress, family, material benefit and egalitarianism can help overcome the inevitable tensions and misunderstandings with the community. Drawing on the findings, we develop a process model that describes how competing framings of an ImS venture and the community could eventually align. Theoretically, the paper illuminates the day to day micro‐processes of reality negotiation between socially driven information technology – business process outsourcing businesses and the local communities they seek to impact.

Parents’ Experiences during their Infant’s Transition from Neonatal Intensive Care Unit to Home: A Qualitative Study

Limited literature exists which examines how parents of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) transition from their infant’s NICU hospital stay to home. This study examines the question, “What are the experiences of parents during their infant’s transition from the NICU to home? Grounded theory methods served as the paradigm to explore twelve NICU parents’ experiences during their infant’s transition. The basic social psychological process identified was “becoming a parent” which was based on the core problem “I’m not a parent.” Analysis of data contributed to a model described by the researchers as the resultant Model of Parental Progression that describes how the parents proceeded through their experiences of their infants’ transitions from the NICU to home.

Multiculturalism, Mauritian Style

Multiculturalism is on the retreat in many Western countries. As an ideology, it is criticized for failing to engender national belonging and social cohesion and thereby to encourage groups of citizens to have parallel lives. In this article, we present the case of Mauritius that is often viewed as a successful plural society. We discuss the conditions that are conducive to a working multiculturalism in Mauritius as well as the challenges. We use empirical findings from our relatively large-scale survey research among adolescents from the three main ethnic groups (i.e., Hindus, Creoles, Muslims). The metaphorical representation of the nation as a rainbow or fruit salad means that cultural diversity forms part of the national self-image, but within a secular state where individual rights prevail. Our findings show that all participants reported strong and compatible national, ethnic, and religious group identifications and that dual identity was the most chosen identity option. Furthermore, intergroup relations tended to be positive but there was a strong preference for ethnic endogamy. Additionally, there were social psychological processes that work against harmonious intergroup relations. The article concludes by discussing what can be learned from Mauritian style multiculturalism.

Health Services, Attitudes about Children, and Fertility Limitation

This article investigates the role of women’s attitudes as a mechanism through which changes in social context influence individual behavior. By examining how specific dimensions of health services are related to one’s attitudes about children’s roles in the household and how those attitudes are related to contraceptive behavior, I provide new information on these intermediary social-psychological processes. My investigation focuses on a setting in rural Nepal that experienced dramatic social, economic, and demographic changes over the course of current residents’ lives. Findings reveal that social-psychological mechanisms are a key piece of the social context–individual behavior link. Increased exposure to family planning services and child and maternal health services were related to less family-oriented attitudes, and women with less family-oriented attitudes had higher rates of contraceptive use than women who felt otherwise.

Emotional Educating: How CEOs Develop Top Management Teams in China

Behavioral integration among top management team (TMT) members is critically important for firm performance. Yet we know very little about the social psychological processes that occur among TMT me...

Australian perioperative nurses’ experiences of assisting in multi-organ procurement surgery: A grounded theory study

Introduction/backgroundMulti-organ procurement surgical procedures through the generosity of deceased organ donors, have made an enormous impact on extending the lives of recipients. There is a dearth of in-depth knowledge relating to the experiences of perioperative nurses working closely with organ donors undergoing multi-organ procurement surgical procedures. AimThe aim of this study was to address this gap by describing the perioperative nurses experiences of participating in multi-organ procurement surgical procedures and interpreting these findings as a substantive theory. DesignThis qualitative study used grounded theory methodology to generate a substantive theory of the experiences of perioperative nurses participating in multi-organ procurement surgery. SettingRecruitment of participants took place after the study was advertised via a professional newsletter and journal. The study was conducted with participants from metropolitan, rural and regional areas of two Australian states; New South Wales and Western Australia. ParticipantsThirty five perioperative nurse participants with three to 39 years of professional nursing experience informed the study. MethodsSemi structured in-depth interviews were undertaken from July 2009 to April 2010 with a mean interview time of 60min. Interview data was transcribed verbatim and analysed using the constant comparative method. ResultsThe study results draw attention to the complexities that exist for perioperative nurses when participating in multi-organ procurement surgical procedures reporting a basic social psychological problem articulated as hiding behind a mask and how they resolved this problem by the basic social psychological process of finding meaning. ConclusionThis study provides a greater understanding of how these surgical procedures impact on perioperative nurses by providing a substantive theory of this experience. The findings have the potential to guide further research into this challenging area of nursing practice with implications for clinical initiatives, management practices and education.

Progressively Engaging

In this grounded theory study, informed by symbolic interactionism, we explain how nurses, patients, and family members construct relationships in acute care settings, including managing effects of work environments. We recruited participants from 10 acute care units across four community hospitals in a Western Canadian city. From 33 hr of participant observation and 40 interviews with 13 nurses, 17 patients, and 10 family members, we constructed the basic social-psychological process of progressively engaging. Nurses, patients, and family members approached constructing relationships through levels of engagement, ranging from perspectives about "just doing the job" to "doing the job with heart." Progressively engaging involved three stages: focusing on tasks, getting acquainted, and building rapport. Workplace conditions and personal factors contributed or detracted from participants' movement through the stages of the process; with higher levels of engagement, participants experienced greater satisfaction and cooperation. Progressively engaging provides direction for how all participants in care can invest in relationships.

New social tasks for cognitive psychology; or, new cognitive tasks for social psychology.

To elucidate how differing theories of rationality lead to differing practices, their social rules must be analyzed. This is true not merely in science but also in society at large. This analysis of social thinking requires both the identification of innate cognitive social psychological processes and explanations of their relations with differing rules of rational practice. These new tasks can enable social psychologists to contribute to the study of how social situations facilitate or inhibit rational practice and enable cognitive psychologists to improve social psychological theory. In contrast to dominant current research strategies, social and cognitive psychologists can integrate social studies of rational practices and their consequences with studies of underlying cognitive psychological processes. In this article I do not attempt to carry out these tasks but rather point to both their lack of recognition and their importance.

Caregiving for a loved one with dementia at the end of life: an emergent theory of rediscovering.

Millions face the challenges of caregiving for a loved one with dementia. A classic Glaserian grounded theory methodology was used to discover the problem that caregivers of individuals with dementia face at the end of life and how they attempt to resolve that problem. Data were collected from a theoretical sample of 101 participants through in-person interviews, online interviews, book and blog memoirs of caregivers, and participant observation. Constant comparative method revealed a basic social psychological problem of role entrapment. Caregivers attempt to resolve this problem through a 5-stage basic social psychological process of rediscovering including missing the past, sacrificing self, yearning for escape, reclaiming identity, and finding joy. Health care professionals can support caregivers through this journey by validating, preparing caregivers for future stages, and encouraging natural coping strategies identified in this process. This study provides a substantive theory that may serve as a framework for future studies.

Effects of synchronicity and belongingness on face-to-face and computer-mediated constructive controversy.

Adapting face-to-face (FTF) pedagogies to online settings raises boundary questions about the contextual conditions in which the same instructional method stimulates different outcomes. We address this issue by examining FTF and computer-mediated communication (CMC) versions of constructive controversy, a cooperative learning procedure involving dialogic argumentation and the shared goal of reaching an integrative position. One hundred seventy-one undergraduates were randomly assigned to a 3 (synchronicity: FTF, synchronous CMC, asynchronous CMC) × 3 (belongingness: acceptance, mild rejection, control) quasi-experimental design. As predicted, FTF and synchronous CMC conditions increased cooperation, epistemic conflict regulation, motivation (interest-value), and achievement (completion rate, integrative statements), whereas asynchronous CMC increased competition and relational conflict regulation and decreased motivation and achievement. Also as predicted, satisfying belongingness needs (through acceptance) increased cooperation, epistemic conflict regulation, and motivation compared with control. Unexpectedly, there was no evidence that mild rejection diminished outcomes. Results inform theory by demonstrating that FTF and CMC synchronicity represent boundary conditions in which constructive controversy stimulates different social-psychological processes and, in turn, different outcomes. Results also inform practice by showing that synchronicity and belongingness have additive effects on constructive controversy and that satisfying belongingness needs buffers but does not offset the deleterious effects of asynchronous CMC.

Meta-Theoretical Framework for Executive Compensation

This paper highlights a myriad of conceptual theoretical perspectives and their implications for executive compensation. Theoretical understanding of the determinants of executive pay is still fragmented. The lack of consensus is most visible between scholars in economics and finance, who advocate for the primacy of market-based explanations, and scholars outside of these two disciplines, who have challenged these explanations and some of their underlying assumptions by highlighting the importance of the power of social-psychological processes and the institutional environment in the creation of compensation practices. To improve the understanding of the concept and application of executive compensation, there is a need to take a closer look at the conceptualisation and theoretical perspectives that characterize the assumptions often implicit in empirical research on executive compensation. It is only through conceptualisation and a clear theoretical stance that an empirical framework can be developed. A conceptual analysis of theoretical perspectives and models is undertaken in this study. While such a conceptual framework cannot include every theory or dimension of executive compensation which is mentioned in the literature (because of the broad range of disciplines represented), it nevertheless attempts to offer a generic and integrated approach to executive compensation. DOI: 10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n23p1686