Emotional contagion in online groups as a function of valence and status

• Published in: Computers in human behavior Vol. 139; p. 107543
• Main Authors: Kane, Aimée A., van Swol, Lyn M., Sarmiento-Lawrence, Irene G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Ltd 01.02.2023
• Subjects: Computer-mediated communication; Emotional contagion; Emotional displays; Language use; LIWC; Online groups; LIWC; Online groups; Language use; Emotional contagion; Computer-mediated communication; Emotional displays
• ISSN: 0747-5632; 1873-7692
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chb.2022.107543

A pre-registered lab experiment with a two (valence of the partner's emotional language: positive, negative) by two (partner status: equal, higher) between-subjects factorial design was conducted. Results suggests that emotional language of group members plays an important role in emotional contagion. Using an online chat tool, 235 undergraduate students participated in a simulated two-person group tasked with coming to a position on a social issue. To systematically manipulate emotional language displays, the partner was an electronic confederate that was enacted using a computer program. Results supported three emotional contagion and two group process hypotheses. The valence of a partner's emotional language was contagious and significantly affected both the positive and negative felt emotions of the participant. Displayed emotional contagion also occurred; participants displayed significantly more negative emotional language as a function of the valence of their partner's emotional language. A partner's use of positive emotional language increased perceived group reflection and reduced conflict, both relational and task. An exploratory hypothesis was also supported: mimicry of negative emotional language mediated emotional contagion for those working with a higher status partner, but not for those working with an equal status partner. Theoretical contributions and implications are discussed. •Experiment shows emotional language plays an important role in emotional contagion.•Pre-registered test of emotional contagion from a partner in an online chat group.•Contagion impacted positive and negative felt emotion and negative emotion displays.•Mimicry mediated negative contagion for those working with a high-status partner.•Positive contagion strengthened group reflection and dampened conflict.