Designing a Model of Collective Identity Based on Perceived Social Support with the Mediating Role of Emotional Intelligence in Students of Qom Province

Abstract

Purpose: Considering the significance of collective identity in carrying out group and social activities, this study aimed to design a model of collective identity based on perceived social support with the mediating role of emotional intelligence among students. Methodology: The present study was applied in objective and descriptive-correlational in method. The research population comprised all undergraduate psychology students of the Islamic Azad University of Qom Province in the academic year 2021-2022. The sample size of this study was 500 individuals, selected after reviewing the entry criteria through convenience sampling. Data were collected using the Collective Identity questionnaire (Hezarjaribi & Lohrasbi, 2011), Perceived Social Support (Sherbourne & Stewart, 1991), and Emotional Intelligence (Schering, 1996) questionnaires and analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients and structural equation modeling in SPSS-27 and AMOS-24 software. Findings: The findings showed that collective identity, perceived social support, and emotional intelligence among students had a positive and significant correlation (P<0.01). Additionally, the model of collective identity based on perceived social support with the mediating role of emotional intelligence in self-efficacy among students had an appropriate fit. In this model, the variable of perceived social support had a direct and significant effect on emotional intelligence and students' collective identity, and the variable of emotional intelligence had a direct and significant effect on their collective identity. Perceived social support with the mediating role of emotional intelligence had an indirect and significant effect on students' collective identity (P<0.001). Conclusion: According to the results of the present research, counselors and psychologists can improve collective identity among students by enhancing their perceived social support and emotional intelligence through educational workshops.