Affiliation with a group is a core element of the human experience and is understood to be essential to human survival (Barchas, 1986; Baumeister & Leary, 1995; Buss, 1990, 1991). Considered vital for normative, healthy human development, this connection offers multiple positive benefits, including reducing emotional distress and physical symptoms of stress, increasing self-esteem, and enhancing positive social identity (Crocker & Luhtanen, 1990; Hale, Hannum, & Espelage, 2005; Hefner & Eisenburg, 2009; Tajel & Turner, 1979; Tajel, 1981).
Associations with large gatherings of people do not necessarily constitute affiliation with or belonging to a group. Being part of a group in and of itself possesses unique, ...
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