Social identity theory and the compatibility of self-motives in intergroup context

Do we prefer an positive but enhancing remark than a negative but self-reflective criticism? How do this preference interfere our self-concept and social interactions? This study examines how self- motives: self-verification and self-enhancement cooperate, and compete in motivating people to engage in intergroup interactions. Results show that though negative but self-reflective feedbacks on ingroup identity threaten one\u27s self-concept, it would not reduce the person\u27s willingness to engage in social interaction if positive identity is assured at the same time. In general, individuals prefer those who share similar views about them than those who try to release them from their negative self-concept. In other words, people would like be known than to be adored. Besides, complex findings across identification, culture and gender indicate that people\u27s self-motives in engaging in intergroup interaction are interfered by other aspects of their identity