The impact of awe on common ingroup identity: The moderating role of perceived resource scarcity

doi:10.3724/SP.J.1041.2026.0667

Abstract

Abstract: China is a multi-ethnic nation with rapid economic development and an increasingly diverse social structure. The impact of Western mainstream culture on traditional culture has led to confusion and conflict among individuals resulting from the collision of different values and subcultures of various ethnic groups. In addition, the international situation is complex and volatile, with increasingly fierce competition among nations and frequent global crises such as epidemics, earthquakes, climate change, terrorism, and nuclear threat. In such times, unity plays a crucial force for national development and ethnic revival. For different ethnic groups, forming a common ingroup identity can enhance social cohesion and improve intergroup relations. Common ingroup identity refers to assigning a superordinate identity to two originally independent groups, transforming the cognitive representation of group members from two subgroups to one common ingroup, and extending positive feelings from ingroup members toward former outgroup members. Previous research on the factors influencing common ingroup identity has focused on cognitive and behavioral perspectives, such as how intergroup cooperation and perceived similarity can promote common ingroup identity. However, few studies have focused on the impact of awe on common ingroup identity and its boundary conditions.
This study examined the impact of awe on common ingroup identity and its boundary conditions through four experiments. Study 1 utilized a questionnaire to measure the relationships between trait awe, common ingroup identity, and perceived resource scarcity. Study 2 manipulated awe and perceived resource scarcity to explore the role of perceived resource scarcity in the relationship between awe and common ingroup identity. Study 3 adjusted the measurement method of common ingroup identity and investigated the influence of awe and perceived resource scarcity on common ingroup identity. Study 4 employed a modified awe induction paradigm and measured common ingroup identity using Chinese national identity scales, while adopting a multitrait-multimethod approach to enhance the reliability of the findings.
The findings revealed that participants in the awe group exhibited higher common ingroup identity than those in the control group, indicating that awe can promote common ingroup identity. Studies 1-4 identified perceived resource scarcity as a moderating factor between awe and common ingroup identity. Specifically, high perceived resource scarcity weakened the promoting effect of awe on common ingroup identity, compared to low perceived resource scarcity. Moreover, under conditions of high perceived resource scarcity, individuals in the negative awe group showed lower common ingroup identity than those in the positive awe and control groups. These findings not only expand the research perspective on ingroup identity but also help strengthen group cohesion.

Key words: positive awe, threat-based awe, perceived resource scarcity, common ingroup identity

YANG Yang, CAO Jun, LI Xiaolin, E Yiran, JIA Yixin. (2026). The impact of awe on common ingroup identity: The moderating role of perceived resource scarcity. Acta Psychologica Sinica, 58(4), 667-682.

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