Group-level self-definition and self-investment: A hierarchical (multicomponent) model of in-group identification
Leach and colleagues note that in-group identification is psychologically important and socially consequential but that there is little agreement on how to conceptualise or measure it. They identify five components and organise them in a hierarchical, two-dimensional model: self-definition, which holds individual self-stereotyping and in-group homogeneity, and self-investment, which holds solidarity, satisfaction and centrality. Two studies use confirmatory factor analysis to validate the model across three group identities, two more test construct validity against established identification measures, and three test predictive and discriminant validity by asking how the components prospectively predict people's orientation toward, and emotions about, real intergroup relations. The authors conclude that the model has conceptual and empirical value.
Leach and colleagues note that in-group identification is psychologically important and socially consequential but that there is little agreement on how to conceptualise or measure it. They identify five components and organise them in a hierarchical, two-dimensional model: self-definition, which holds individual self-stereotyping and in-group homogeneity, and self-investment, which holds solidarity, satisfaction and centrality. Two studies use confirmatory factor analysis to validate the model across three group identities, two more test construct validity against established identification measures, and three test predictive and discriminant validity by asking how the components prospectively predict people's orientation toward, and emotions about, real intergroup relations. The authors conclude that the model has conceptual and empirical value.
Written from the abstract, PubMed record, 2026-10-31.
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Leach, C. W., van Zomeren, M., Zebel, S., Vliek, M. L. W., Pennekamp, S. F., Doosje, B., Ouwerkerk, J. W., & Spears, R. (2008). Group-level self-definition and self-investment: A hierarchical (multicomponent) model of in-group identification. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 95(1), 144-165. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.95.1.144 https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.95.1.144