On the nature of identity fusion: Insights into the construct and a new measure.

Abstract

Previous research has documented the consequences of feeling fused with a group; here we examine the nature of identity fusion. Specifically, we sought to determine what fusion is and the mediating mechanisms that lead fused individuals to make extraordinary sacrifices for their group. Guided by the assumption that fusion emphasizes the extent to which people develop relational ties to the group, we developed a measure designed to capture feelings of connectedness and reciprocal strength with the group. In 10 studies, the newly developed scale displayed predicted relationships with related measures, including an earlier (pictorial) measure of fusion and a measure of group identification. Also as expected, fusion scores were independent of several measures of personality and identity. Moreover, the scale predicted endorsement of extreme progroup behaviors with greater fidelity than did an earlier pictorial measure of identity fusion, which was, in turn, superior to a measure of group identification. Earlier evidence that the personal and social selves of fused persons are functionally equivalent was replicated, and it was shown that feelings of agency and invulnerability mediated the effects of fusion on extreme behavior. Finally, Spanish- and English-language versions of the verbal fusion scale showed similar factor structure as well as evidence of convergent, discriminant, and predictive validity in samples of Spaniards and Americans, as well as immigrants from 22 different countries. This work advances a new perspective on the interplay between social and personal identity.

Flujo Compartido y Reuniones Colectivas Positivas

“…Fusion with the Tamborrada group was measured using the 7-item verbal fusion scale (e.g., "I am one with my group") (Gómez et al, 2011). Respondents indicated the degree to which each statement reflected their relationship with their Tamborrada group on scales ranging from 0 (strongly disagree) to 6 (strongly agree).…”

Relationship-specific identification and spontaneous relationship maintenance processes.

“…Second, activating a high identifiers self-views should also activate pro-relationship behaviour. Research by Gómez et al (2011) on identity fusion, the extent to which individuals' self-identities becomes fused with their group identities, has shown that when the self-views of highly fused participants are challenged, they are more likely to endorse extreme group behaviour. They argued that because challenging the personal self-views of fused persons resulted in similar outcomes as when their group identities were challenged, their personal and group identities were functionally equivalent.…”

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

“…That is, the personal identity of fused people is functionally equivalent to their groups' identities (Swann et al, 2009). 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 only differences were adding a locus of control scale and a social desirability scale. Both scales are tested and validated in the Poland Delta Questionnaire (Drwal, 1995). This questionnaire consists of 24 "true-false" items, out of which 14 constitute the locus of control scale (LOC, e.g., "Very often I feel I have no influence over what happens to me", "Getting a good job mostly depends on a lucky coincidence", etc.…”