Group Norms

The present research investigates the applicability of the Normative Conflict Model of Dissent (NCMD; Packer, 2008) in the context of team sports. The core assumption of the NCDM is that strongly identified group members adhere to group norms less (i.e., deviate more) when these norms are potentially harmful for the team. We accompanied a football team over the course of a season (22 time points) and assessed players’ (N = 11) identification with their team, adherence as the overlap between individual and team goals, and disengagement as willingness to leave the team. Results showed that weakly identified players adhered to, but strongly identified players deviated from unambitious - thus potentially harmful - team goals. Moreover, deviance elicited disengagement among weakly, but not among strongly identified players. Our findings demonstrate the relevance of the NCMD in sports teams. Implications are discussed with respect to the beneficial aspects of deviance for teams.

Uma variedade de fatores responsáveis por influenciar o uso de Redes Sociais (RSs) tem sido foco de pesquisa, mas resultados inconclusivos apresentam um corpo teórico em evolução. Neste estudo, extende-se o modelo proposto por Cheung et al. (2011) para explicar o uso de RSs, adicionando-se Satisfação com a Vida como variável relacionada. O objetivo foi analisar a relação entre Satisfação com a Vida e Uso de RSs. Um levantamento on-line com brasileiros (n = 1111)1 revelou influência de Satisfação com a Vida sobre We-Intention do Uso de RSs. Essa relação teve Norma Subjetiva, Normas de Grupo, Identidade Social, Valor de Entretenimento e Manutenção da Interconectividade Interpessoal como variáveis dependentes. Satisfação com a Vida melhorou o poder explicativo do modelo (R2=0,36) e revelaram-se diferentes arranjos entre os fatores influenciadores do uso de redes sociais pelos brasileiros.

Background: Social norm interventions have been implemented in schools to address concerns of alcohol use among high school students; however, research in this area has not incorporated measures of variability that may better reflect the complexity of social influences. Purpose: To examine the association between perceived alcohol norms, the student- and school-level variability of those norms, and alcohol use behaviors among high school students. Methods: A sample of 25 824 students from 58 high schools completed an online self-report survey. Hierarchical linear regression models were fit to examine the relationships between student- and school-level alcohol norm predictors, within-school variability, and current alcohol use and binge drinking. Results: Individual- and school-level norms were predictive of both current alcohol use and binge drinking. Whereas measures of norm diversity at the school level were not predictive of alcohol use behaviors, individual norm proximity was predictive of both current alcohol use and binge drinking. Discussion: The study findings were consistent with prior research and support assertions that variability measures should be incorporated into social norms research approaches. Translation to Health Education Practice: The findings support the incorporation of student-level variability measures, which could assist in identifying students who are susceptible to peer influence.

Work motivation is critical for successful school-to-work transitions, but little is known about its determinants among labor market entrants. Applying a social identity framework, we examined whether work motivation and job searching are social-contextually determined. We expected that some job seekers are more sensitive to contextual influence, depending on their personality. Mediation analyses on 591 Dutch vocational training students indicate that the perception of more positive work norms in someone's social context was related to higher levels of intrinsic motivation, which in turn predicted higher preparatory job search behavior and job search intentions. Multi-group analysis shows that perceived work norms more strongly predict work motivation among overcontrollers compared to resilients and undercontrollers. In conclusion, work motivation and job searching appear contextually determined: especially among those sensitive to contextual influence, people seem to work when they believe that is what people like them do.