Effect of self-differentiation and anonymity in group on deindividuation.

Investigated the effects of deindividuating conditions (i.e., anonymity) on the behaviors and feelings of self-differentiated and less self-differentiated individuals. 40 male 17–18 yr olds were divided on the basis of their scores on the portable rod-and-frame test into self-differentiated and undifferentiated groups. Each S was exposed to transgressive and prosocial behavior of 2 group members who were confederates. Exposure to the models' behavior occurred under conditions of anonymity or identifiability. Additionally, measures of Ss' feelings were taken. Data indicate that relative to identifiability conditions, the transgressions and prosocial actions of the models had stronger effects on the behaviors of undifferentiated Ss under anonymity conditions. Also, undifferentiated Ss felt less self-conscious and less inhibited under anonymity than identifiability conditions. The behaviors and feelings of self-differentiated Ss were relatively unaffected by the anonymity–identifiability manipulation. A conceptual link between self-differentiation, self-awareness, and deindividuation is proposed. (22 ref) (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)