ABSTRACT
The role of insecurity has been a consistent feature of psychological theorizing from the field’s origins (Wundt, 1900) and is reflected today in our most influential models. Theories of cognitive consistency presupposed the need to be right, to fit in, or reduce inconsistencies among beliefs or behaviors. In theories of inter- and intra-group behavior, being a part of a group plays a role in our self- and social identities, which affect our relations with others. The group provides cover and a rationale for beliefs and behaviors that may appear ridiculous, immoral, or inhuman to those outside the group. An underlying motive of contemporary social psychological theorizing implicitly or explicitly assumes the need to resolve or forestall insecurity, and by doing so, establish a reality shared and reinforced by others who think and act as we do. In this chapter, we outline some of the paradigms (e.g., consistency, persuasion, and group process models) that take the fundamental human need for certainty as nearly axiomatic. We end with a discussion of the utility of the insecurity orientation in the authors’ research on ambivalence, attitudes, and persuasion.
