School of Psychology

Identity, Culture and Well-being

Three broad strands of research are concerned with the interplay of cultural values, personal and social identity and well-being. There is a long-standing tradition of cross-cultural research in the group.

Identity processes and motives

  • What are the key features of a 'satisfactory' identity?
  • Why are people happier with some aspects of their identities and less happy with others?
  • What makes people view some possessions, brands, places, and groups of others as 'part of themselves'?
  • What is the role of respect (from and for other ingroup members) in group processes?
People: Viv VignolesKaren Long

Culture and identity construction

  • How do cultural differences affect the self-understandings of people in different parts of the world?
  • What is the interplay of culture and motivational influences on identity construction?
People: Viv Vignoles

Virtual identities

  • What are people trying to achieve when they participate in online social networks? Do their motives differ depending on their cultural background?
People: Karen Long

 

Well-being

  • What is the relationship between materialism and well-being?
People: Rod Bond

* Image courtesy of www.istockphoto.com