Judging People with Multiple Identities: The Case of Perceived Identity Integration

Abstract

Past research on identity integration has primarily focused on the complexity of holding multiple identities and the ways in which individuals manage these identities. Integrating identity integration theory with ideas from the stereotype content model, we shift the focus to observers and the limited research on perceived identity integration (PII). We study how perceptions of others’ identity integration affect perceptions of their satisfaction with life and tolerance intentions towards them. We present four preregistered studies (Study 1, N = 200; Study 2, N = 211; Study 3, Sample 1, N = 258, Sample 2, N = 255; Study 4, N = 204), examining diverse identities and using experimental and cross-sectional designs. We find that PII correlates positively with perceptions of competence and, in some of the studies, with warmth. Moreover, competence (but not warmth) mediates the relationship between PII and perceived satisfaction with life. Warmth and competence both mediate the effect of PII on tolerance intentions.

Keywords

intergroup relations/prejudice cross-cultural psychology bicultural identity integration

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