Americans may feel particularly good about themselves after Team USA wins an Olympic gold medal because social identity theory states that

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Social identity theory states that victories by ingroups increase self-esteem because people view themselves as a part of the ingroup and take pride in its accomplishments. Therefore, Americans may feel particularly good about themselves after Team USA wins an Olympic gold medal because they identify with the American ingroup. Option A is incorrect because not all victories increase self-esteem, only those that involve the ingroup. Option C is incorrect because victories by outgroups would not necessarily increase self-esteem for individuals who do not identify with that outgroup. Option D is incorrect because losses by outgroups only have an effect on self-esteem if individuals identify with that outgroup.

Americans May Feel Particularly Good About Themselves After Team USA