Perception of threat and national identity: Investigation of the mediating role of collective self esteem

Abstract

This article examines whether perceived threat can predict national identity mediated by collective self-esteem in the context of students in Indonesia. The notion of national identity can be described as an individual's attachment to a country. The strength of the bond between national identity and its individuals has an impact on raising collective self-esteem. This article shows that national identity is latent, as it can emerge and be self-reinforced when stimulated by a perceived threat. The connection between the perception of threat and national identity is indirect but mediated by collective self-esteem. This study involved 504 students from 49 universities in Indonesia. The samples of the research were obtained by using convenience sampling. The Lisrell 8.7 program was used to conduct this study's entire data analysis process. The analysis showed that the perception of threat affects the national identity, which was mediated by collective self-esteem. From the result above, collective self-esteem is influential as the mediator variable. Additionally, the impact of the perception of the threat on national identity can indicate collective self-esteem. People who perceive social phenomena in their environment will strengthen ties to the nation but this correlation is affected by the strengh of collective self-esteem.

Keywords

• Perception of threat
• National identity
• Collective self esteem
• Mediating variable