Which psychological factor can contribute to the growth of crowds?

The feeling of security is a significant psychological factor that can contribute to the growth of crowds. When individuals feel secure in a given environment, they are more likely to gather and participate in group activities, as they perceive the situation to be safe. This sense of security can stem from various aspects, such as the presence of law enforcement, event organization, or community support, which all assure individuals that they can engage without threat or harm.

In contrast, increased self-identity, enhanced emotional control, and individual independence do not directly contribute to the growth of crowds. Increased self-identity may lead individuals to seek out the company of others, but it does not inherently create a crowd. Enhanced emotional control suggests a capacity to manage one's feelings, which could impact an individual’s desire to join a crowd rather than promoting crowd formation itself. Lastly, individual independence often implies self-sufficiency and may actually discourage individuals from seeking out collective experiences unless there is a compelling event or reason behind it. Thus, the feeling of security plays a pivotal role in encouraging individuals to come together in larger numbers, fostering the growth of crowds.