Cited by 667Social and Intergroup PsychologyPsychology of Social InfluenceDeath Anxiety and Social Exclusion

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Deindividuation and antinormative behavior: a meta-analysis

Postmes, Tom, Spears, Russell·1998·Psychological Bulletin

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Abstract

A meta-analytic integration reviews evidence for deindividuation theory as an explanation of collective and antinormative behavior. Deindividuation theories propose a subjective deindividuated state that causes transgression of general social norms. Deindividuation research classically manipulates anonymity, self-awareness, and group size. Results of 60 independent studies showed little support for (a) the occurrence of deindividuated (antinormative) behaviors or (b) the existence of a deindividuated state. Research results were explained mon adequately by situation-specific than by general social norms. Analyses indicated that groups and individuals conform more to situation-specific norms when they are "deindividuated." These findings are inconsistent with deindividuation theory but support a social identity model of deindividuation effects.

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Background
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Method
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Background
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“…persons will experience heightened sense of social identification to group members, increased level of sensitivity to situation-specific group norm and as a result resort to the group norm in forming attitudes and making decisions (Postmes et al., 1998; 2001; Postmes & Spears, 1998).”
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Authors: Postmes, T., & Spears, R.
ORCID: Postmes, Tom
Spears, Russell
Venue: Psychological Bulletin
Publisher: American Psychological Association (APA)
Published: 1998-05
Volume: 123
Issue: 3
Pages: 238-259
ISSN: 0033-2909 (ISSN-L)
1939-1455
DOI: 10.1037/0033-2909.123.3.238
OpenAlex: W2031296644
Cited by: 667
References: 112
Citations by year: 2026: 9 · 2025: 39 · 2024: 20 · 2023: 30 · 2022: 28 · 2021: 45 · 2020: 45 · 2019: 38 · 2018: 19 · 2017: 25 · 2016: 35 · 2015: 35 · 2014: 37 · 2013: 32 · 2012: 25
FWCI: 37.57
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Psychological Bulletin (publishedVersion)
University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (submittedVersion)
Topics: Social Sciences › Sociology and Political Science › Social and Intergroup Psychology
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Psychology of Social Influence
Social Sciences › Psychology › Social Psychology › Death Anxiety and Social Exclusion
Keywords: deindividuation, social norms, anonymity, self-awareness, group size, social identity model, collective behavior, conformity

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Deindividuation and antinormative behavior: a meta-analysis

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