“We” Are Remedy for Solidarity: Group Entitativity Enhances Group Identification and Cooperation in Unfavorable Situations

Adversity faced by the in-group may decrease group identification and cooperation. However, it is unknown whether group entitativity can mitigate the adverse effects on group identification and cooperation. To address this research gap, we conducted three studies in which we manipulated group entitativity (low vs. high) and task situation (unfavorable vs. favorable). Study 1 (N = 157) and Study 2 (N = 154) showed that group entitativity attenuated the negative effect of unfavorable situations on group identification. Heightened group entitativity satisfied the need to belong among members in unfavorable situations, which correlated with a partial increase in group identification. Similarly, Study 3 (N = 192) found that group entitativity mitigated the previously observed reduced cooperation among members in unfavorable situations, and group identification mediated the relationship between task situation and cooperative behavior. These findings provide valuable insights for groups to implement effective interventions aimed at bolstering solidarity.