Blog 1

Why and how are groups so important to our lives? What are 3 new concepts you learned about groups from reading this introductory article and how to they manifest themselves in everyday life?

Groups are important to our lives because we encounter them daily, and they shape our behavior. They can help provide a sense of security and stability. An interesting point that the article made is that individuals tend to share their thoughts and opinions with the group instead of keeping them to themselves. People have opinions based on what group members say instead of deciding for themselves (Forsyth 2010). This kind of group-level perspective suggests that people are more likely to conform to the way the group thinks or acts instead of thinking and acting independently, and people will even adhere to unspoken group rules, (Dean 2009).

          Another interesting aspect of group behavior is how emotions can influence a group. One factor in group member’s emotions is if they feel included in the group (Forsyth 2010). One member’s emotions can influence the whole group in a positive or negative way, and this can affect the way the group functions or carries out tasks. But while there are emotions and attitudes of the collective group, it is also important to consider people’s individual emotions and attitudes. Smith, Segar, & Mackie (2007), state that there is overlap between individual emotions and group emotions, and people are more likely to experience group emotions if they identify more with the group.

          The way people will form attachments to a group depends a couple different factors. If a person feels anxious about group involvement, they might form as much of a connection; anxiety can also weaken attachments, (Rom and Mikulincer, 2003). Without a good attachment, people are less likely to interact with their group. Attachment also depends on how much an individual feels included. People desire connections and attachments with people. Being a part of a group can give them those attachments and provide a sense of belonging.

Hyperlinks:
http://www.indiana.edu/~smithlab/articles/multigroup.pdf

http://www.rompsyc.com/Portals/Esti/Users/Att_TEAM.pdf

http://www.spring.org.uk/2009/07/10-rules-that-govern-groups.php


References:

Dean, J. (2009, July 01). 10 rules that govern groups. Retrieved from http://www.spring.org.uk/2009/07/10-rules-that-govern-groups.php

Rom, E., & Mikulincer, M. (2003). Attachment theory and group processes: The association between attachment style and group-related representations, goals, memories, and functioning. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(6), 1220–1235. Retrieved from http://www.rompsyc.com/Portals/Esti/Users/Att_TEAM.pdf

Smith, E. R., Segar, C. R., & Mackie, D. M. (2007). Can emotions be truly group level? evidence regarding four conceptual criteria. Can Emotions Be Truly Group Level? Evidence Regarding Four Conceptual Criteria, 93(3), 431–446. Retrieved from http://www.indiana.edu/~smithlab/articles/multigroup.pdf