A Social Identity Perspective on the Evaluation of Showing Vulnerability

• Applicant: Dr. Anna Bruk
• Subject Area: Social Psychology, Industrial and Organisational Psychology
• Term: since 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 513557060

In my dissertation, I demonstrated that showing vulnerability is evaluated more positively in others than oneself (“beautiful mess effect”). Building on this preliminary work, the present proposal will shine a light on the ways various social identities can impact evaluations of showing vulnerability in the context of (a) in-groups and (b) culture. In this regard, for the most part, conflicting hypotheses can be derived from two social psychological theories—Construal Level Theory und Social Identity Approach. The present proposal aims to reconcile these seeming contradictions by investigating the conditions under which we can expect a pattern in accordance with either theory. The proposed research may thus refine our grasp of the intricate processes behind the perception of vulnerability displays and may deepen our knowledge of the scope and the limitations of two central psychological theories. Specifically, the proposed studies will explore how and why being part of a group (e.g., race or family) impacts the evaluations of showing vulnerability. These studies will illuminate whether the observers’ relatively benevolent attitudes towards displays of vulnerability also extend to marginalized groups and to individuals from the inner circle. Therefore, the results could hold vital implications for family, work, and social life. A further set of studies aims to test the cross-cultural generalizability of the beautiful mess effect. The studies will address the problematic scarcity of research beyond Western industrialized cultures and therefore have a high potential to provide a substantial contribution.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Dr. Sabine G. Scholl