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Globalization impacts the identities of millions. This research first investigates whether participating in a new cultural group predicts higher identification with it while remaining in one's group of origin. Second, it tests whether the association between identification with the new group (following participation) and with the group of origin depends on the perceived similarity between groups. Studies 1 and 2 (in Kyrgyzstan) showed that participating in the American group predicted greater identification with Americans. This, in turn, positively predicted identification with Kyrgyz in contexts promoting similarities; a negative association between identities emerged when similarities were not promoted (Study 2). Studies 3 (in Kyrgyzstan) and 4 (in Canada) replicated these findings measuring similarity and with a repeated measures methodology (Study 4). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identity integration, and more specifically, the subtractive pattern of cultural identification, is investigated in this article. This pattern is hypothesized to occur when individuals integrate a new group identity of higher and legitimate status than their original identity, resulting in lower identification with the original group. The first study examined how relative status predicts the subtractive pattern of identification in immigrants living in Canada. Studies 2 and 3-conducted among Kyrgyz and Canadian participants-extended these results by measuring the impact of legitimacy on the subtractive pattern of identification. Results support the hypothesis that the subtractive pattern of identification takes place when the new identity has a higher and legitimate status compared with the original one, highlighting the possible different patterns of identity integration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]