Abstract
In this chapter, we review theory and research on emotions in identity theory. We will see that emotions are intimately related to the identity verification process in identity theory. Identity verification makes one feel good and identity non-verification makes one feel bad. We review research that has studied the conditions under which this relationship occurs such as the frequency of verification, the source (close associates/strangers) of verification, and the status (high/low) of the recipient of the verification. We also discuss how identity theorists have attempted to expand sociological knowledge on emotions by studying, among other things, specific emotions such as moral emotions and showing how positive emotions can serve as a resource/buffer in interaction. The chapter ends with some suggestions for future research on emotions in this ever-developing theory.
We would like to thank members of the UCR Social Psychology Research Seminar for their comments on an earlier draft of this paper.
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Notes
- 1.
In the laboratory studies, a work situation was created and the worker identity was invoked. After completing each of three simple yet different tasks, participants as “workers” received feedback that was either: (1) expected given their work (identity verification of their worker identity); (2) more positive than what they would expect (identity non-verification that exceeds their worker identity standard); and (3) more negative than what they would expect (identity non-verification that falls short of their worker identity standard). Feedback was in the form of points earned for their work. Thus, they would receive either the expected number of points for their work, more points than they would have expected, or less points than they would have expected.
- 2.
The seven studies measured the moral identity, moral behavior, and emotions. The surveys measured people’s moral identity and provided eight different moral dilemmas in which participants were to indicate what action they took in the situation, and how they felt. In the laboratory, participants were placed in a testing situation in which they had an opportunity to cheat without clear detection to obtain a higher score.
- 3.
Those in the familiar condition reported more liking for their co-worker and saw the other as a potential friend compared to the unfamiliar condition. Thus, a short interaction with another is enough to anticipate that the other will support and perhaps verify one’s identity.
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Stets, J., Trettevik, R. (2014). Emotions in Identity Theory. In: Stets, J., Turner, J. (eds) Handbook of the Sociology of Emotions: Volume II. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-017-9130-4_3
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