Identity Fusion and Extreme Group Behavior
Abstract
The proposed research is designed to learn more about the nature, origin and consequences of identity fusion: a visceral sense of oneness that people have with their groups. This work builds upon evidence that individuals who are strongly fused with their group are especially inclined to endorse fighting and dying for their group and become involved in front-line combat. We explore two issues of relevance to national security. First, what are the consequences of fusion with extreme groups? Second. what are causes of identity fusion? We propose a series of field and laboratory investigations of populations in the U.S., Spain, and the Middle East that will utilize survey, prospective and experimental designs. The work will test core tenets of a theory recently developed by the PI and will strive to build conceptual and empirical bridges with related work within psychology and sociology.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 07, 2018
- Source ID
- W911NF1710385
Entities
People
- William Swann
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Texas at Austin