The social identity model of stress reactivity: An integrated model for understanding physiological effects of stress

This review provides a new integration of recent research that has demonstrated a social identity basis to physiological stress reactivity. We review available models of stress and highlight the need for a model that accounts for group-based processes in determining physiological stress reactivity. We theorise these effects using a social identity framework, offering evidence to support the idea that group memberships and social identity predict stress reactivity. We also present evidence that group processes such as group-based trust and support on the one hand, or stigma and exclusion on the other, may mediate the relationship between social identities and stress reactivity. Finally, we present an agenda for future research with an aim of translating insights of this approach to health policy practice.