Low self-esteem and ingroup bias

In this study the effect of collective self-esteem on ingroup bias exhibited through traditional measures (attributions) and alternative strategies (basking in reflected glory) is investigated. Seventy-seven US college students were divided into minimally defined groups, worked together on a series of tasks, received performance feedback, completed the Collective Self-esteem Scale (Luhtanen & Crocker, 1992) and then rated on similarity to both groups and attributed performances to a variety of causes. It was predicted and found that low self-esteem individuals utilized basking in reflected glory more than individuals with higher self-esteem. Additionally, high self-esteem individuals exhibited greater bias through use of attributional ratings. Results are interpreted as evidence for the mediating role of self-consistency needs on ingroup bias strategies (e.g. Brown, Collins, & Schmidt, 1988).