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So Far, So Close: Identification with Proximal and Distal Groups as a Resource in Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic

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  • Anna Rita Graziani

    (Department of Communication and Economics, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Viale Allegri 9, 42121 Reggio Emilia, Italy)

  • Lucia Botindari

    (SAIS Europe, Johns Hopkins University, Via Andreatta 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy)

  • Michela Menegatti

    (Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

  • Silvia Moscatelli

    (Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Viale Berti Pichat 5, 40127 Bologna, Italy)

Abstract

A robust body of research has highlighted the fundamental role of social identifications in dealing with emergencies and in predicting commitment behaviors. We report the results of two studies carried out in Italy to assess whether the subjective sense of belonging to meaningful proximal and distal social groups affected people’s ability to cope with the pandemic crisis. Study 1 ( N = 846) shows that different identifications with proximal (i.e., family and friends) and distal social groups (i.e., nation, European, and humankind) may act as buffers for individuals by reducing negative emotions and negative expectations about the future after COVID-19 and by increasing people’s intentions to adhere to containment measures and to be involved in prosocial actions. Study 2 ( N = 350) highlights the role of European identification in predicting propensities for using the tracing app and getting vaccinated. These results confirm the benefits of various types of identification (proximal vs. distant) in helping individuals deal with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Rita Graziani & Lucia Botindari & Michela Menegatti & Silvia Moscatelli, 2022. "So Far, So Close: Identification with Proximal and Distal Groups as a Resource in Dealing with the COVID-19 Pandemic," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(18), pages 1-20, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:18:p:11231-:d:908781
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    1. Juliet Ruth Helen Wakefield & Fabio Sani & Vishnu Madhok & Michael Norbury & Pat Dugard & Carlo Gabbanelli & Mario Arnetoli & Giampiero Beconcini & Lucia Botindari & Franco Grifoni & Paola Paoli & Fab, 2017. "The Relationship Between Group Identification and Satisfaction with Life in a Cross-Cultural Community Sample," Journal of Happiness Studies, Springer, vol. 18(3), pages 785-807, June.
    2. Selçuk Özdin & Şükriye Bayrak Özdin, 2020. "Levels and predictors of anxiety, depression and health anxiety during COVID-19 pandemic in Turkish society: The importance of gender," International Journal of Social Psychiatry, , vol. 66(5), pages 504-511, August.
    3. Luca Simione & Monia Vagni & Tiziana Maiorano & Valeria Giostra & Daniela Pajardi, 2022. "How Implicit Attitudes toward Vaccination Affect Vaccine Hesitancy and Behaviour: Developing and Validating the V-IRAP," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-18, April.
    4. Cruwys, Tegan & Dingle, Genevieve A. & Haslam, Catherine & Haslam, S. Alexander & Jetten, Jolanda & Morton, Thomas A., 2013. "Social group memberships protect against future depression, alleviate depression symptoms and prevent depression relapse," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 98(C), pages 179-186.
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    1. Mirko Duradoni & Mustafa Can Gursesli & Letizia Materassi & Elena Serritella & Andrea Guazzini, 2022. "The Long-COVID Experience Changed People’s Vaccine Hesitancy but Not Their Vaccination Fear," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(21), pages 1-13, November.

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