Aspects of Identity and Behavioral Preference: Studies of Occupational and Recreational Choice

Abstract

People differ in the relative importance they place on personal versus social aspects of their identities. Two studies were conducted to examine hypotheses regarding the relationship between an individual's salient aspect of identity and behavioral preferences. In the first study, respondents whose identities were composed primarily of personal elements rated personally-relevant job outcomes, such as personal growth and self-fulfillment, as more important in their choice of an occupation than respondents whose identities were not based heavily on personal attributes. At the same time, subjects with predominantly socially-based identities preferred jobs that offered social rewards such as status and friendships. In Study 2, respondents high rather than low in personal identity were found to participate in individual rather than team sports to a greater degree, and emphasized personal reasons for engaging in recreation. On the other hand, subjects who placed more importance on social aspects of identity preferred team sports and more strongly endorsed social reasons for participating in sports.