Running head : SOCIAL INCLUSION 1 Social Inclusion , Identity ,

In this study we examine whether feelings of inclusion are correlated with identity integration, and if so, what effect this interaction might have on conflict adaptation. Our first hypothesis is that we will find a positive relationship between identity integration (II) and conflict adaptation. Our second hypothesis is that we will see a positive relationship between II and feelings of inclusion. Our third hypothesis is that we will see a relationship between feelings of inclusion and conflict adaptation. Our fourth hypothesis is that the relationship between II and conflict adaptation is moderated by feelings of inclusion; we predict that individuals who self-report feelings of marginalization will show an interaction between inclusion and conflict adaptation. Fifty-seven participants from an Introductory Psychology course (who each self-identified as marginalized) were asked to complete a Prime-Probe task and two surveys which assessed their perceptions of campus climate and II (using the General Identity Integration Scale). The results did not support hypothesis one; we found no significant relationship between II and conflict adaptation, which is contrary to what has been shown in previous studies. Results supported our second hypothesis; we found a significant relationship between II and conflict adaptation. For our third hypothesis we found a marginally significant positive relationship; which is the opposite direction of our initial hypothesis. Finally, results supported with significance, that the relationship between inclusion and conflict adaptation is moderated by identity integration (II), such that, II acts as a buffer against feelings of marginalization. Future studies will measure the varying levels of inclusion on populations who do not self-identify as marginalized and the relationship between inclusion and conflict adaptation within this population.