Psychosocial effects of perceived emotional synchrony in collective gatherings.

• DOI: 10.1037/pspi0000014
• Publication Date: 2015-03-31T08:23:49Z
• Authors: Dario Páez; Bernard Rimé; Nekane Basabe; Anna Wlodarczyk; Larraitz Zumeta
• Keywords: Collective identity; Affect

In a classic theory, Durkheim (1912) predicted that because of the social sharing emotion they generate, collective gatherings bring participants to stage effervescence in which experience sense union with others and feeling empowerment accompanied by positive affect. This would lead them leave situation renewed confidence life institutions. A century after Durkheim's predictions these effects, though, remained untested as whole. article reports 4 studies, 2 correlational, 1 semilongitudinal, experimental, assessing effects participation either positively valenced (folkloric marches) or negatively (protest demonstrations) gatherings. Results confirmed consistently strengthened identity, identity fusion, integration, well enhancing personal self-esteem efficacy, affect, beliefs among participants. line central tenet emotional communion, perceived synchrony mediated effects. Higher was associated stronger reactions, support, higher endorsement values. Participation symbolic also particularly reinforced fusion when high. The respective contributions flow, optimal experience, were assessed. Whereas emerged strongly related various outcomes, flow observed be first efficacy self-esteem, thus, encompass mainly