An individual's motivation to distance him or herself from a negative reference group can be as powerful or more powerful than your desire to please a positive group.

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This phenomenon is explained by social identity theory, which suggests that individuals seek to improve their self-image by enhancing their affiliation with positive groups and distancing themselves from negative groups. The motivation to avoid association with a negative group can be as strong or stronger than the desire to be associated with a positive group, as individuals often work harder to avoid negative identities than to pursue positive ones.

An Individual's Motivation to Distance Him or Herself from a Negative