Domains of uncertainty, identification processes, and exit intentions

Abstract

The process of leaving groups is ubiquitous. However, the motivations underlying people’s decision to exit their groups have been underexamined. Integrating uncertainty-identity theory with literature on disidentification, we conducted three studies ( NTotal = 891) to investigate how different domains of uncertainty affect group identification and disidentification, and how these identification processes predict people’s exit intentions. In Studies 1a (religious congregations) and 1b (organizations), we measured different domains of uncertainty (self, social identity) before measuring group identification, disidentification, and exit intentions. Study 2 manipulated domains of uncertainty (self, social identity) and levels of uncertainty (high, low) before measuring the same outcome variables. Results showed stronger social identity uncertainty elicited stronger disidentification and weaker group identification. Results also showed that disidentification mediated the relationship between social identity uncertainty and exit intentions. Self-uncertainty did not relate to people’s exit intentions. The results contribute to the psychological literature on group exit intentions.