Identity fusion and self-sacrifice: Arousal as a catalyst of pro-group fighting, dying, and helping behavior.

Abstract

Identity fusion is a feeling of oneness with the group that induces people to tether their feelings of personal agency to the group. We accordingly proposed that increasing the agency of fused persons by elevating autonomic arousal would amplify their tendency to endorse and actually enact pro-ingroup behavior. In 4 experiments, increasing autonomic arousal through physical exercise elevated heart rates and fusion-unrelated activity among all participants. Fused participants, however, uniquely responded to arousal by translating elevated agency into endorsement of pro-group activity. These effects emerged both for endorsement of extreme behaviors for the group and for overt behaviors, specifically helping behavior (donating money to needy in-group members), and the speed with which participants raced a fusion-related avatar. The effects also generalized across 3 different arousal inductions (dodgeball, wind sprints, and Exercycle). Finally, fusion-related agency partially mediated the interactive effects of fusion and arousal on pro-group behavior. Apparently, autonomic arousal increases agency and identity fusion channels increased agency into pro-group behavior.

Not on my team: Medial prefrontal cortex responses to ingroup fusion and unfair monetary divisions

“…Crucially, the notion of favoring one's ingroup is a key component of how “fused” people are to their social group, with people who are fused exhibiting more prosocial behaviors toward ingroup members (Swann & Buhrmester, 2015; Swann, Gomez, Dovidio, et al., 2010; Swann, Gomez, Huici, et al., 2010; Swann et al., 2014). However, the mechanisms in the brain that might mediate the influence of our affiliation to a group on our responses to the behavior of another person, have not previously been explored.…”

“…Recent work has demonstrated that identity fusion is a powerful motivator of personally costly, progroup behaviors (Whitehouse, McQuinn, Buhrmester, & Swann, 2014; Whitehouse et al., 2017). For example, strongly fused individuals report more willingness to fight and die for their groups (Swann et al., 2014); are especially inclined to endorse sacrificing their lives for fellow in‐group members (but not out‐group members) in trolley dilemma scenarios (Swann, Gomez, Huici, Morales, & Hixon, 2010); and are especially likely to donate personal funds to support group members in difficulty (Buhrmester, Fraser, Lanman, Whitehouse, & Swann, 2015; Swann, Gomez, Dovidio, Hart, & Jetten, 2010). However, how the neural correlates of the fairness of another's actions are modulated by group membership, and how such a modulation may depend on the degree to which one is fused to one's group are poorly understood.…”

Overlap Between Personal and Group Identity and Its Relation With Radical Pro-Group Attitudes: Data From a Central European Cultural Context

“…Strong association between fusion and radical attitudes has been confirmed (Gómez et al, 2011), as has the role of self-verification strivings: fused individuals were especially prone to express radical pro-group opinions and fight on behalf of their fellow group members when their self-schema has been challenged (Swann et al, 2009). Furthermore, an elevated feeling of agency (i.e., by physical activities) results in the endorsement of pro-group activities among fused persons (Swann et al, 2010b).…”

“…The second study tested whether fusion is related to passive nationalism and to self-concept clarity. Studies three and four tested whether fusion was also connected to greater inclination for self-sacrifice, demonstrated in answers to a modified version of the trolley problem (in earlier research by Swann et al, 2010b). Studies three and four addressed the relationship between identity fusion and locus of control.…”

“…Recently, a number of studies were conducted to verify a new theoretical framework, namely the identity fusion theory (Seyle, 2007;Swann, Jr. et al, 2010a;Swann, Jr.. et al, 2010b;Swann, Jr. et al, 2012). Identity fusion is defined as the overlap between personal and social self.…”