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Group-based nostalgia and perceived identity threat – underlying factors for the rise of euroscepticism in Europe?

Klösters, J.C. (2017) Group-based nostalgia and perceived identity threat – underlying factors for the rise of euroscepticism in Europe?

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Abstract:In recent years, the European Union faced challenges such as the event of Brexit and a general rise in popularity of populist, eurosceptic parties. This study aims to investigate the underlying psychological factors behind this trend. Based on existing research, the hypothesis are made that perceived group-based identity threat and group-based nostalgia can lead to a negative attitude towards the European Union. Furthermore, it is hypothesized that nostalgia acts as an explanatory factor in the relationship between perceived group-based identity threat and a negative attitude towards the European Union. In order to test the hypothesis, a cross sectional online survey has been conducted. The results indicate that both perceived group-based identity threat and group-based nostalgia are contributing factors to an opposing attitude towards the European Union. Partial mediation has been found for the role of nostalgia as an explanatory factor in the relationship between perceived group-based identity threat and a negative attitude towards the European Union. This indicates that nostalgia can be an explanation for some, but not all of the negative effect of perceived group-based identity threat on the attitude towards the European Union. As most of the participants in this study were university students, the validity of the variable nostalgia is limited in this context. More research in more diverse environments is needed in order to determine the underlying reasons behind the trend of euroscepticism.
Item Type:Essay (Bachelor)
Clients:
Unknown organization, Niederlande
Faculty:BMS: Behavioural, Management and Social Sciences
Subject:77 psychology
Programme:Psychology BSc (56604)
Link to this item:https://purl.utwente.nl/essays/72953
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