Self-expansion: Intergroup and sociocultural factors
Affiliation of Author, Researcher, or Creator
Marlboro Institute of Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Department
Marlboro Institute for Liberal Arts and Interdisciplinary Studies
Author(s)
Ketay, S., Beck, L. A., & Welker, K. M.
Resource Type
Book Chapter
Publication, Publisher or Distributor
Springer
Publication Date
2020
Brief Description
Self-expansion theory suggests that people are motivated to broaden the self (Aron & Aron, 1986; Aron & Aron, 1996; Aron, Aron, & Norman, 2001). A primary way of expanding the self is through close relationships, where others become included in the self-concept. A large body of research on self-expansion theory has examined self-expansion in close relationships in the context of romantic dyads. We expand on this research to shed light on a growing line of work that explores self-expansion and intergroup contact. We begin with an overview of self-expansion theory, focusing on the motivational aspect and the cognitive aspect of inclusion of other in the self. We then discuss self-expansion and intergroup contact at the level of friendships and broaden this application to intergroup contact in romantic couples. Further, we discuss individual differences in motivation to self-expand via intergroup relations and examine research on intergroup relations, both as a means of individual self-expansion and as a mechanism for prejudice reduction and improved outgroup attitudes. We also review the literature on how inclusion of other in the self is linked with positive intergroup outcomes. Finally, we suggest next steps to broaden and deepen this important work and discuss implications and connections with work on self-construal.
Keywords
close relationships, intergroup contact, self-expansion
Recommended Citation
Ketay, S., Beck, L. A., & Welker, K. M. (2020). Self-expansion: Intergroup and sociocultural factors. In B. A. Mattingly, K. P. McIntyre, & G. W. Lewandowski, Jr. (Eds.), Interpersonal relationships and the self-concept (pp. 177-193). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-43747-3_11
Preferred Citation Style
APA
License Agreement
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