The Compatibility of Personality and Social Identity Processes: The Effect of Gender Identity on Neuroticism

In an experimental study (N = 186), we examined the effect of identity (gender versus personal) on participants‘ self–rated neuroticism and estimates of mean neuroticism for men and women. Self–rated neuroticism was measured before and after the identity salience manipulation. Following self–categorization theory, we predicted that identity salience would affect levels of self–rated neuroticism and the estimates (perceptions) of mean neuroticism for each sex. From a personality perspective, we expected substantial correlations between pre–manipulation and post–manipulation neuroticism scores in both identity conditions. The relation between participants‘ self–rated neuroticism and their estimates of mean neuroticism for their own sex was also examined. The effect of identity salience was unclear with regard to self–rated neuroticism levels, whereas the manipulation had apparent effects on estimated mean neuroticism levels for men and women. Also, self–rated neuroticism was found to predict estimates of mean neuroticism for men and women in the gender, but not personal, identity condition. Finally, in line with a personality perspective, the relative positions in self–rated neuroticism were highly stable in both conditions. The findings indicate a compatibility of self–categorization theory and personality perspectives and suggest that both are valuable to understand the changeability and stability of the self. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.