Deindividuation: GCSE Psychology Definition

What is Deindividuation?

In GCSE Psychology deindividuation is the perceived loss of individuality and personal responsibility that can occur when someone participates as part of a group: it can mean that someone is more likely to engage in antisocial behaviour. When someone is part of a crowd their sense of right and wrong may be lost as they are less likely to feel responsible for their actions.

Crowds give individuals anonymity, making it easier to act against one’s own character and beliefs e.g. a football fan rioting with fellow fans after a match in which their team lost. People who behave in an antisocial manner as part of a crowd are generally not violent, aggressive or law-breaking types: the behaviour is the result of deindividuation. People who work or are incarcerated in prisons can become deindividuated due to the impersonal nature of the environment and the institutional routines of the place e.g. wearing a uniform, losing personal identity.

Deindividuation Revision Resources to Ace Your Exams

You can use the Save My Exams revision notes to revise deindividuation and further your understanding of the theories and and research involved in crowd & collective behaviour.

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