This study proposes a new construct in expectation states theory – status satisfaction (i.e., satisfaction with one’s status in a group). A scale was developed to measure this construct based on previous findings in expectation states literature. In Study 1, a confirmatory factor analysis of a sample of 505 students shows that status satisfaction is highly related to perceptions of similarity and perceptions of entitativity. Study 2 (N = 113) uses an experimental design with online Zoom groups to examine the relationship between status, status satisfaction, participation (i.e., how often one talks), similarity, and entitativity. A theoretical model is proposed, which receives moderate support. Further, information on the similarity of the group was manipulated, but the manipulation failed to influence the means of perceptions of similarity across experimental conditions. However, the manipulation did change group member relationships across conditions. Implications and future directions for status satisfaction and similarity are discussed.
