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Differentiated selves can surely be good for the group, but let's get clear about why

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  26 October 2016

Sanaz Talaifar  and
William B. Swann
Sanaz Talaifar
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0187. stalaifar@gmail.comswann@utexas.eduhttp://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/swann/
William B. Swann
Affiliation:
Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712-0187. stalaifar@gmail.comswann@utexas.eduhttp://homepage.psy.utexas.edu/homepage/faculty/swann/
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Abstract

We applaud the goal of reconciling the self and group literatures and agree that a differentiated self may sometimes improve group outcomes. Nevertheless, greater precision regarding the underlying mechanisms is needed. Specifically, differentiated selves improve outcomes by overriding selfishness when they allow for personal regulation (being personally recognized and valued) rather than social regulation (specialization of labor).

Type
Open Peer Commentary
Information
Behavioral and Brain Sciences , Volume 39 , 2016 , e165
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2016 

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References

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