Exploring the Role of Conformity in Decision-Making and Emotional Regulation: A Systematic Review

Conformity is defined as the inclination to align one’s thoughts and behaviors with those of a group, driven by the desire for social acceptance and accuracy. While this alignment can enhance group cohesion and facilitate effective communication, it may also lead individuals to adopt false beliefs or engage in risky choices. This systematic review explores the interconnected dynamics of conformity, emotional regulation, and decision-making, shedding light on their transformative impacts on individual behavior within various contexts. A search was conducted in four databases, namely Scopus, Web of Science, IEEE, and PubMed, focusing on research related to social conformity, emotion regulation, and decision-making from 2014 to October 2024. After several screening stages, 38 studies that met the inclusion criteria were selected as the subject of the present review. The findings examined in this review explore the interplay between emotions and conformity in shaping social dynamics and decision-making processes. Additionally, the review addresses how contextual factors, social group dynamics, and individual differences affect conformity behaviors. Importantly, the review identifies a critical gap in the literature regarding how emotional regulation strategies might moderate the influence of conformity, particularly in emotionally charged or socially complex situations. Addressing this gap presents a promising avenue for future research, with implications for developing interventions aimed at fostering healthier decision-making and emotional resilience within group environments.