The Effect of Shared Negative Experience on Group Identity: The Roles of Perceived Similarity and Group Boundary Permeability

Group identity not only shapes individuals' psychology and behavior but also plays an important role in social stability and development. However, earlier studies have largely overlooked the relationship between shared negative experience and group identity and their underlying mechanisms, with few empirical studies examining their causal relationship. Based on Social Identity Theory, this research conducted three experiments to examine how shared negative experience shapes group identity and to explore the underlying mechanisms. Results suggested that (1) shared negative experience enhanced group identity among co-experiencers; (2) perceived similarity partially mediated the link between shared negative experience and group identity; (3) group boundary permeability moderated the link between perceived similarity and group identity. Specifically, in the low group boundary permeability condition, perceived similarity fostered stronger group identity, whereas this positive effect weakened in the high boundary permeability condition. This research demonstrated the causal relationship between shared negative experience and group identity, deepening the understanding of group identity formation while providing theoretical and practical implications for interventions aimed at enhancing group identity.