Recent advances, misconceptions, untested assumptions, and future research agenda for identity fusion theory

Abstract

Just a decade ago, two psychologists, Swann, and Gómez, developed a new theoretical framework to explain extreme pro-group behaviors: identity fusion theory. Identity fusion refers to a visceral feeling of oneness with a group that motivates individuals to do extraordinary self-sacrifices on behalf of the group or each of its members. Since the formulation of the theory, interdisciplinary researchers of the five continents have conducted dozens of studies on identity fusion, both in laboratory and field settings. Research has deepened into the causes, consequences, underlying mechanisms, and applications of identity fusion. The development of fusion-based research has been steadfast and very prolific. Hence, the first section of the current manuscript includes an updated overview of this fast growing literature. This increasing interest for the theory has, however, been accompanied by a series of misconceptions and untested research assumptions, which we address in the second and third sections of the paper, concluding with a final section suggesting a future research agenda. Our aim is to help those interested in knowing more about identity fusion or about the causal mechanisms that lead individuals to risk their life and personal well-being for a group discarding common misconceptions as well as formulating more precise and nuanced hypotheses for future research.

Basque Ethnic Identity and Collective Empowerment: Two Key Factors in Well-Being and Community Participation

“…Identity fusion could be a differentiated construct from social identification (Gómez et al, 2020), but the fact that they are both closely related (Swann et al, 2012;Zumeta et al, 2016;Bortolini et al, 2018), and share aspects with the social identity theory (Leach et al, 2008;Postmes et al, 2013;Gómez et al, 2020) justifies our consideration of identity fusion as part of the processes of social identification and social identity. In Table 1 different concepts are discussed, as well as another series of related terms. In any event, what is certain is that social identity is an important predictor of a wide range of health and well-being indicators.…”

“…Based on the classic theory of social identity, we understand that personal identity and social identity are antagonistic, meaning that when one of them is activated, the other is eclipsed or canceled (Gómez et al, 2020). This rigid distinction can be fairly problematic (Baray et al, 2009;Swann et al, 2012), since even when speaking of a (hypothetical) purely personal identity, it is difficult for social aspects not to be activated, and vice versa.…”

“…In the same fashion, identity fusion theory (Swann et al, 2009) posits that, far from being antagonists, personal and social identity mutually influence each other, so that they can activate and feed back into one another simultaneously. As with social identification, identity fusion theory focuses on the individual and in-group relations, and not on inter-group relations like the classic theory of social identity (Postmes et al, 2013;Gómez et al, 2020). In this sense, we believe that an approach focused on social identification and the theory of identity fusion is necessary.…”

Admiration for Islamist groups encourages self-sacrifice through identity fusion

“…Moreover, fused individuals are strongly attracted to other group members; they value them as if they were brothers and sisters. Once individuals are fused with a group, they tend to remain fused (Gómez et al, 2020;Swann et al, 2012).…”

Why People Enter and Embrace Violent Groups

“…Another motive that could explain why some individuals join these violent groups is identity fusion, or the development of a feeling of visceral sense of connection with the group ( Swann et al, 2012 ). One of the key characteristics of violent and terrorist groups is that their members are willing to fight and even die for the group, and identity fusion research has consistently confirmed that fusion is a successful predictor of such extreme actions (see Gómez et al, 2020 for a review). Up until now, two main mechanisms have been identified as a cause or an amplifier of fusion with a group: shared experiences with other individuals, particularly dysphoric experiences (e.g., Whitehouse et al, 2017 ), and shared values (e.g., Swann et al, 2014 ).…”