The term affiliation according to the macmillan English dictionary refers to a connection with a social organization or group of individuals whether political, religious or tribal.
It involves two approaches;
1. Approach Oriented – Here we seek positive social connections out of the need for the positive outcomes that may arise from inclusion.
2. Avoidance Oriented – Which is driven by a need to escape self-uncertainity and discomfort such as isolation and anxiety.
Here let’s talk about affiliation as a defense mechanism.
Affiliation Defense Mechanism.
The role of all defense mechanism we employ is to minimize anxiety, avoid pain and maintain Psychological balance in our mind.
A situation or experience that threatens this stability or is predicted to threaten this stability on our personal self image, identity, beliefs or emotional balance forces the mind to employ a technique called a defense mechanism.
One such defense mechanism is affiliation.
In the face of turmoil, discomfort or a distressing reality, one may turn to others or a group for help or support. We may also turn to others as a proactive measure against perceived future uncertainties.
Affiliation is mainly motivated by a desire for social support, security and validation.
Examples of Affiliation in Real lifeÂ
For instance;
1. An individual with job related stress sharing his stories or discussing his issue with friends or colleagues.
2. Individuals who have an imposter syndrome seeking out mentors or senior colleagues in the profession
3. The same can be said when an individual experiences a major setback in his life for instance; a Marriage heartbreak and decides to join a religious group eg; A church or seeks professional advice from a counsellor as a way to cope.
4. Individuals make alot of friends as a sense of security or protection against future uncertainties.
5. To avoid discomfortable feelings such as of loneliness, one may turn to friends or join social activities such as sports.
6. This can also be explained by a scenario where a kid whose boundaries have been violated decides to run to his father or elder brother for help.
7. An individual haunted by self-doubt at the beginning of a career may turn to a mentor who can guide him out of the uncertainty.
8. Individuals who are anxious of social environments love walking in groups to minimize the discomfort that comes from ‘going out’ alone. The same can be said with other fears such as a Fear of darkness. One who calls out his friend to accompany him for a walk is using affiliation defense mechanism.
10. An individual who wrongs a friend decides to seek advice from a senior or a book to manage the matter and own’s feelings of guilt.
Effects of Affiliation.
1. It may help to alleviate stress and anxiety by offering emotional support.
2. It enhances social connections and a sense of belonging.
3. It offers refuge from distressing situations.
4. Valuable feedback from others may enhance an individual self-esteem.
5. Provides an individual with a sense of security and protection.
6. It may be maladaptive especially when the group or people we’re in affiliation with are unsuitable or unsafe.
Affiliation and Uncertainty Theory.
The uncertainty identity theory states that people are motivated to reduce feelings of uncertainty particularly about themselves by identifying with clearly defined groups to enhance a solid sense of identity and predictably.
Related