Date of Award
8-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Psychological Science
Department
Psychology
First Reader/Committee Chair
Bloodhart, Brittany
Abstract
Historically, social movements have been important in addressing social issues and driving social change, particularly in challenging both systemic racism and structural inequalities faced by minority groups. However, these movements require sustained participation to be effective. While it is important to understand the psychological factors as to how and why one engages in social movements, few empirical studies have evaluated the psychological factors that influence ongoing participation in social movements. This study examines predictors of continued engagement in social movements among individuals who have participated in two or more in-person demonstrations. A sample of 305 participants involved in four different movements (Black Lives Matter, LGBTQIA+ rights, Reproductive/Abortion Rights, and Climate Change) was examined to evaluate the interaction between the degree of tie between group membership and movement goals, perceived individual and group risks, perceived individual and group benefits, and collective identity as a social activist. We found that the strength of group identification with movement goals significantly predicted future participation intentions. While collective identity as an activist was found to mediate the relationship between group membership and participation intentions, this mediation was dependent on perceived risks and benefits. Additionally, stronger group identification was associated with higher perceived individual and group benefits, as well as greater individual-level risks. Moreover, perceived benefits were associated with a stronger collective identity, whereas perceived risks did not significantly impact collective identity. Overall, the indirect effect of group membership on future participation was mediated by perceived risks and benefits and collective identity, highlighting the complex interaction of these factors in sustaining social movement engagement. These findings highlight the importance of group identification, perceived risks and benefits, and collective identity in fostering ongoing participation within social movements.
Recommended Citation
Garcia, Alejandro, "BEYOND INITIAL ENGAGEMENT: INVESTIGATING FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN SOCIAL MOVEMENTS" (2024). Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations. 2022.
https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/etd/2022