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White C, Morales D, Xygalatas D, Hernu M, Mathiassen A, Ainsworth A, Geraty M, Bayindir N, Robinson B, Whitehouse H. How shared suffering bonded Britons witnessing the Queen's funeral. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16620. [PMID: 39025862 PMCID: PMC11258316 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-66537-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Previous research suggests that sharing emotionally intense experiences with others, for example by undergoing dysphoric collective rituals together, can lead to "identity fusion," a visceral feeling of oneness that predicts group cohesion and self-sacrifice for the group. In this pre-registered research, we provide the first quantitative investigation of identity fusion following participation in a national funeral, surveying 1632 members of the British public. As predicted, individuals reporting intense sadness during Queen Elizabeth II's funeral exhibited higher levels of identity fusion and pro-group commitment, as evidenced by generosity pledges to a British Monarchist charity. Also consistent with our hypotheses, feelings of unity in grief and emotional sharedness during the event mediated the relationship between sadness intensity and pro-group commitment. These findings shed light on importance of collective rituals in fostering group cohesion, cooperation, and the dynamics of shared emotional experiences within communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire White
- Religious Studies Department, California State University Northridge, 230 Santa Susana Hall, 18111 Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA, 91330-8316, USA.
| | - Danielle Morales
- Department of Sociology, California State University, Northridge, USA
| | - Dimitris Xygalatas
- Department of Anthropology, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Mathilde Hernu
- Institute of Cognition and Culture, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | - Anna Mathiassen
- Department of Psychology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Andrew Ainsworth
- Department of Psychology, California State University, Northridge, USA
| | - Meara Geraty
- Department of Psychological Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | - Nisa Bayindir
- Institute of Cognition and Culture, Queen's University, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Harvey Whitehouse
- School of Anthropology & Museum Ethnography, Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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2
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Zabala J, Vázquez A, Conejero S, Pascual A. Exploring the origins of identity fusion: Shared emotional experience activates fusion with the group over time. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2024; 63:1479-1496. [PMID: 38426607 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Identity fusion is a visceral feeling of oneness with a group, known to strongly motivate extreme pro-group behaviour. However, the evidence on its causes is currently limited, primarily due to the prevalence of cross-sectional research. To address this gap, this study analysed the evolution of fusion in response to a massive collective ritual, Korrika-a race in support of the Basque language-, over three time periods: before (n = 748) and immediately following participation (n = 402), and 7 weeks thereafter (n = 273). Furthermore, we explored the potential mediating roles of two key factors: perceived emotional synchrony, a sense of emotional unity among participants that emerges during collective rituals, and kama muta (moved by love), an unexplored emotion in relation to fusion, which arises from feelings of shared essence. The proportion of fused participants increased significantly after participation and remained stable for at least 7 weeks. Perceived emotional synchrony and kama muta apparently explained the effect of participants' behavioural involvement in the ritual on subsequent fusion, but only among those who were not previously fused with Korrika participants. We conclude that emotional processes during collective rituals play a fundamental role in the construction of identity fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Zabala
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Development, University of the Basque Country - UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Alexandra Vázquez
- Department of Social and Organizational Psychology, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia - UNED, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Conejero
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Development, University of the Basque Country - UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Aitziber Pascual
- Department of Basic Psychological Processes and Development, University of the Basque Country - UPV/EHU, Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
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3
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Krishna A. Relationships and identity fusion: Understanding antecedents of employees' megaphoning behaviours in response to corporate misconduct‐related crises. JOURNAL OF CONTINGENCIES AND CRISIS MANAGEMENT 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/1468-5973.12460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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4
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Henríquez D, Urzúa A, López-López W. Social Support as a Mediator of the Relationship between Identity Fusion and Psychological Well-Being in South-South Migrant Populations. JOURNAL OF INTERNATIONAL MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION 2022; 24:1-23. [PMID: 36277258 PMCID: PMC9579654 DOI: 10.1007/s12134-022-00996-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The present study provides evidence of how perceived social support is a mechanism by which identity fusion with the country of origin is associated with psychological well-being in a migrant population. The study design was cross-sectional. We use intentional sampling based on the accessibility of the participants and using the snowball strategy through an online survey. This study included 323 Venezuelan migrants, of whom 176 (54.5%) were women, all residents of the city of Santiago, Chile. The variables assessed were perceived social support, identity fusion, and psychological well-being. Structural equation modeling was used to estimate the proposed mediation model. The estimation method used was robust weighted least squares estimation. The estimated models indicated that perceived social support has a mediating effect on the positive relationship between identity fusion and psychological well-being of Venezuelan migrants residing in Chile. According to these results, feeling a sense of fusion with the country of origin and the perception of having sources of care and protection are factors that may help to improve the psychological well-being of Venezuelan migrants living in Chile. Implications and limitations of these results are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diego Henríquez
- Universidad Católica del Norte, Avda. Angamos 0610, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Alfonso Urzúa
- Universidad Católica del Norte, Avda. Angamos 0610, Antofagasta, Chile
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5
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Abstract
Identity fusion is traditionally conceptualized as innately parochial, with fused actors motivated to commit acts of violence on out-groups. However, fusion's aggressive outcomes are largely conditional on threat perception, with its effect on benign intergroup relationships underexplored. The present article outlines the fusion-secure base hypothesis, which argues that fusion may engender cooperative relationships with out-groups in the absence of out-group threat. Fusion is characterized by four principles, each of which allows a fused group to function as a secure base in which in-group members feel safe, agentic, and supported. This elicits a secure base schema, which increases the likelihood of fused actors interacting with out-groups and forming cooperative, reciprocal relationships. Out-group threat remains an important moderator, with its presence "flipping the switch" in fused actors and promoting a willingness to violently protect the group even at significant personal cost. Suggestions for future research are explored, including pathways to intergroup fusion.
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6
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Prosocial correlates of transformative experiences at secular multi-day mass gatherings. Nat Commun 2022; 13:2600. [PMID: 35624086 PMCID: PMC9142525 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29600-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Humans have long sought experiences that transcend or change their sense of self. By weakening boundaries between the self and others, such transformative experiences may lead to enduring changes in moral orientation. Here we investigated the psychological nature and prosocial correlates of transformative experiences by studying participants before (n = 600), during (n = 1217), 0-4 weeks after (n = 1866), and 6 months after (n = 710) they attended a variety of secular, multi-day mass gatherings in the US and UK. Observations at 6 field studies and 22 online followup studies spanning 5 years showed that self-reported transformative experiences at mass gatherings were common, increased over time, and were characterized by feelings of universal connectedness and new perceptions of others. Participants' circle of moral regard expanded with every passing day onsite-an effect partially mediated by transformative experience and feelings of universal connectedness. Generosity was remarkably high across sites but did not change over time. Immediately and 6 months following event attendance, self-reported transformative experience persisted and predicted both generosity (directly) and moral expansion (indirectly). These findings highlight the prosocial qualities of transformative experiences at secular mass gatherings and suggest such experiences may be associated with lasting changes in moral orientation.
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Simmons JM, Stensland PJ, Slavich MA. COVID-19 and sports fans: examining the pandemic’s impact on need fulfillment and psychosocial outcomes. MANAGING SPORT AND LEISURE 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/23750472.2022.2059546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jason M. Simmons
- Sport Administration, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | | | - Mark A. Slavich
- Sport Management, Grand View University, Des Moines, IA, USA
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8
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Baranowski-Pinto G, Profeta VLS, Newson M, Whitehouse H, Xygalatas D. Being in a crowd bonds people via physiological synchrony. Sci Rep 2022; 12:613. [PMID: 35022461 PMCID: PMC8755740 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04548-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Collective events can generate intense emotions, shape group identities, and forge strong bonds. Do these effects extend to remote participation, and what are the psychological mechanisms underpinning their social power? We monitored psycho-physiological activity among groups of basketball fans who either attended games in-person (in a stadium) or watched games live on television in small groups. In-person attendance was associated with greater synchronicity in autonomic nervous system activation at the group level, which resulted in more transformative experiences and contributed to stronger identity fusion. Our findings suggest that the social effects of sports depend substantially on the inter-personal dynamics unfolding among fans, rather than being prompted simply by watching the game itself. Given the increasing prevalence of virtual experiences, this has potentially wide-reaching implications for many domains of collective human interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - V L S Profeta
- Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - M Newson
- University of Kent, Kent, UK.,Oxford University, Oxford, UK
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Shared Flashbulb Memories Lead to Identity Fusion: Recalling the Defeat in the Brexit Referendum Produces Strong Psychological Bonds Among Remain Supporters. JOURNAL OF APPLIED RESEARCH IN MEMORY AND COGNITION 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jarmac.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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10
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Seih YT, Tra VT, Lepicovsky M, Chang YY. Let Others Buy First: Identity Fusion Buffers the Effect of COVID-19 Phobia on Panic Buying Behavior From an Economic Perspective. Front Psychol 2021; 12:710185. [PMID: 34646200 PMCID: PMC8503536 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.710185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused hundreds of millions of cases and millions of deaths, resulting in the development of COVID-19 phobia. To prevent getting COVID-19, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in many countries encourage people to protect themselves via several strategies, such as wearing face masks or using sanitizers when washing hands. However, at times, such supplies for preventing COVID-19 are limited. In this study, we examine the relationship between COVID-19 phobia and panic buying behavior from an economic perspective and test if identity fusion plays a buffering role for this phenomenon. Data was collected from September 4th to November 1st in 2020 across three countries (the United States, Germany, and Taiwan). A self-report measure of panic buying behavior was developed and culturally cross-validated. Moderation analyses were conducted focusing on the study objectives. Results show that the economic factor in COVID-19 phobia predicts panic buying behavior, and this effect is buffered by identity fusion. It is worthy to note that this buffering effect emerged only in the Taiwanese sample, not in the American or German samples. Implications of identity fusion theory in human behavior are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tai Seih
- Department of Business Administration, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Vi Thanh Tra
- Department of Business Administration, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Marketa Lepicovsky
- Department of Business Administration, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ying Chang
- Department of Business Administration, National Taiwan University of Science and Technology, Taipei City, Taiwan
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11
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Newson M, Khurana R, Cazorla F, van Mulukom V. 'I Get High With a Little Help From My Friends' - How Raves Can Invoke Identity Fusion and Lasting Co-operation via Transformative Experiences. Front Psychol 2021; 12:719596. [PMID: 34646208 PMCID: PMC8504457 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.719596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Psychoactive drugs have been central to many human group rituals throughout modern human evolution. Despite such experiences often being inherently social, bonding and associated prosocial behaviors have rarely been empirically tested as an outcome. Here we investigate a novel measure of the mechanisms that generate altered states of consciousness during group rituals, the 4Ds: dance, drums, sleep deprivation, and drugs. We conducted a retrospective online survey examining experiences at a highly ritualized cultural phenomenon where drug use is relatively uninhibited- raves and illegal free parties. Engaging in the 4Ds at raves or free parties was associated with personal transformation for those who experienced the event as awe-inspiring, especially for people with open personalities (n = 481). Without awe, or a ritual context, indulging in the 4Ds was associated with a lack of personal growth, or anomie. A complex SEM revealed that personal transformation following awe-inspiring raves was associated with bonding to other ravers and prosocial behavior toward this group at a cost to self in a simple economic game. Bonding to humanity was not associated with these events. The findings suggest that employing the 4Ds in a ritualized environment - particularly dancing and drug use - can help build meaningful social bonds with associated positive behavioral outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Newson
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ragini Khurana
- Department of Sociology, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Freya Cazorla
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, United Kingdom
| | - Valerie van Mulukom
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
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12
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Whitaker RM, Colombo GB, Dunham Y. The evolution of strongly-held group identities through agent-based cooperation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12071. [PMID: 34103597 PMCID: PMC8187381 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91333-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Identity fusion represents a strongly-held personal identity that significantly overlaps with that of a group, and is the current best explanation as to why individuals become empowered to act with extreme self-sacrifice for a group of non-kin. This is widely seen and documented, yet how identity fusion is promoted by evolution is not well-understood, being seemingly counter to the selfish pursuit of survival. In this paper we extend agent-based modelling to explore how and why identity fusion can establish itself in an unrelated population with no previous shared experiences. Using indirect reciprocity to provide a framework for agent interaction, we enable agents to express their identity fusion towards a group, and observe the effects of potential behaviours that are incentivised by a heightened fusion level. These build on the social psychology literature and involve heightened sensitivity of fused individuals to perceived hypocritical group support from others. We find that simple self-referential judgement and ignorance of perceived hypocrites is sufficient to promote identity fusion and this is easily triggered by a sub-group of the population. Interestingly the self-referential judgement that we impose is an individual-level behaviour with no direct collective benefit shared by the population. The study provides clues, beyond qualitative and observational studies, as to how hypocrisy may have established itself to reinforce the collective benefit of a fused group identity. It also provides an alternative perspective on the controversial proposition of group selection - showing how fluidity between an individual's reputation and that of a group may function and influence selection as a consequence of identity fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger M Whitaker
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, 5 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK.
- Crime and Security Research Institute, Cardiff University, Friary House, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff, CF10 3AE, UK.
| | - Gualtiero B Colombo
- School of Computer Science and Informatics, Cardiff University, 5 The Parade, Roath, Cardiff, CF24 3AA, UK
- Crime and Security Research Institute, Cardiff University, Friary House, Greyfriars Rd, Cardiff, CF10 3AE, UK
| | - Yarrow Dunham
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, Box 208205, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
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13
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White FA, Newson M, Verrelli S, Whitehouse H. Pathways to prejudice and outgroup hostility: Group alignment and intergroup conflict among football fans. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Fiona A. White
- School of Psychology The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Martha Newson
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion The University of Oxford Oxford UK
- School of Anthropology and Conservation University of Kent Canterbury UK
| | - Stefano Verrelli
- School of Psychology The University of Sydney Sydney NSW Australia
| | - Harvey Whitehouse
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion The University of Oxford Oxford UK
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14
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Newson M, Buhrmester M, Whitehouse H. United in defeat: shared suffering and group bonding among football fans. MANAGING SPORT AND LEISURE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/23750472.2020.1866650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Martha Newson
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion (CSSC), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- School of Anthropology and Conservation, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - Michael Buhrmester
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion (CSSC), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Harvey Whitehouse
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion (CSSC), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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15
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Tasuji T, Reese E, van Mulukom V, Whitehouse H. Band of mothers: Childbirth as a female bonding experience. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0240175. [PMID: 33085666 PMCID: PMC7577500 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0240175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 09/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Does the experience of childbirth create social bonds among first-time mothers? Previous research suggests that sharing emotionally intense or painful experiences with others leads to “identity fusion,” a visceral feeling of oneness with a group that predicts strong forms of prosocial action and self-sacrifice for other group members. This study compared identity fusion with other mothers during pregnancy versus after childbirth in a sample of 164 U.S. women. Eighty-nine mothers in our sample were pregnant with their firstborn, and 75 mothers had given birth to their firstborn up to 6 months prior to the time of data collection. Results demonstrated that identity fusion with other mothers was higher for postpartum mothers than for antenatal mothers. As predicted, among postpartum mothers, those who thought that their childbirth was more painful than a typical childbirth experience reported greater identity fusion with mothers who reported having had a very difficult birth. Postpartum mothers’ ruminative thought about the birth mediated the association between level of dysphoria and identity fusion, and identity fusion moderated the association between postpartum mothers’ ruminative and reflective thought about the birth and their posttraumatic growth in complex ways. These findings provide evidence that perceived sharedness of the childbirth experience and thoughts about the birth are important to the process of identity fusion with other mothers, and highlight the importance of post-event processing for psychological health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tara Tasuji
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- * E-mail: (TT); (ER)
| | - Elaine Reese
- Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
- * E-mail: (TT); (ER)
| | - Valerie van Mulukom
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Centre for Trust, Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - Harvey Whitehouse
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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16
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Aureli N, Marinucci M, Riva P. Can the chronic exclusion‐resignation link be broken? An analysis of support groups within prisons. JOURNAL OF APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/jasp.12701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Aureli
- Department of Psychology University of Milano‐Bicocca Milano Italy
| | - Marco Marinucci
- Department of Psychology University of Milano‐Bicocca Milano Italy
| | - Paolo Riva
- Department of Psychology University of Milano‐Bicocca Milano Italy
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17
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Fusión de identidad: una revisión sistemática. ACTA COLOMBIANA DE PSICOLOGIA 2020. [DOI: 10.14718/acp.2020.23.2.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
El objetivo de la presente investigación fue realizar una revisión sistemática de los estudios empíricos que han reportado el uso de la teoría de fusión de identidad. Para esto, la revisión siguió los lineamientos y recomendaciones de la declaración PRISMA. Las bases de datos consultadas fueron Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, ScienceDirect, Willey Online Library, EBSCO y JSTORE. En total, se revisaron 52 estudios empíricos, en español y en inglés, publicados entre los años 2009 y 2018, que cumplían con los criterios de selección. La mayoría de los estudios dan evidencia de que la fusión de identidad es un fuerte predictor de conductas extremas de sacrificio por el grupo, y también, se ha asociado generalmente a variables como la identificación con el grupo, el compromiso grupal, el apoyo social percibido, la lealtad incluso en condiciones de ostracismo, los sentimientos, afectos y emociones hacia el grupo, y la percepción de parentesco, entre otras. Al final se discuten sus implicaciones y limitaciones.
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18
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Kavanagh CM, Kapitány R, Putra IE, Whitehouse H. Exploring the Pathways Between Transformative Group Experiences and Identity Fusion. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1172. [PMID: 32581966 PMCID: PMC7283579 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing body of evidence suggests that two distinct forms of group alignment are possible: identification and fusion (the former asserts that group and personal identity are distinct, while the latter asserts group and personal identities are functionally equivalent and mutually reinforcing). Among highly fused individuals, group identity taps directly into personal agency and so any attack on the group is perceived as a personal attack and motivates a willingness to fight and possibly even die as a defensive response. As such, identity fusion is relevant in explaining violent extremism, including suicidal terrorist attacks. Identity fusion is theorized to arise as a result from experiences which are (1) perceived as shared and (2) transformative, however evidence for this relationship remains limited. Here, we present a pre-registered study in which we examine the role of transformativeness and perceived sharedness of group-defining events in generating identity fusion. We find that both of these factors are predictive of identity fusion but that the relationship with transformativeness was more consistent than perceived sharedness across analyses in a sample of Indonesian Muslims.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher M. Kavanagh
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Rikkyo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rohan Kapitány
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Idhamsyah Eka Putra
- Faculty of Psychology, Persada Indonesia University, Jakarta, Indonesia
- Division for Applied Social Psychology Research, Jakarta, Indonesia
| | - Harvey Whitehouse
- Centre for the Study of Social Cohesion, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Gómez Á, Chinchilla J, Vázquez A, López‐Rodríguez L, Paredes B, Martínez M. Recent advances, misconceptions, untested assumptions, and future research agenda for identity fusion theory. SOCIAL AND PERSONALITY PSYCHOLOGY COMPASS 2020. [DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Ángel Gómez
- ARTIS International St. Michaels Maryland USA
- Faculty of Psychology, Social and Organizational Psychology Department, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia Madrid Spain
| | - Juana Chinchilla
- Faculty of Psychology, Social and Organizational Psychology Department, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia Madrid Spain
| | - Alexandra Vázquez
- ARTIS International St. Michaels Maryland USA
- Faculty of Psychology, Social and Organizational Psychology Department, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia Madrid Spain
| | - Lucía López‐Rodríguez
- ARTIS International St. Michaels Maryland USA
- Psychology Department, Universidad de Almería Almería Spain
| | - Borja Paredes
- Faculty of Sciences of Information, Theory and Analisys of Comunication Department, Universidad Complutense de Madrid Madrid Spain
| | - Mercedes Martínez
- Faculty of Psychology, Social and Organizational Psychology Department, Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia Madrid Spain
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Newson M, Shiramizu V, Buhrmester M, Hattori W, Jong J, Yamamoto E, Whitehouse H. Devoted fans release more cortisol when watching live soccer matches. Stress Health 2020; 36:220-227. [PMID: 31943736 DOI: 10.1002/smi.2924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 01/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Why do some sports fans experience intense emotions when watching live matches? Identity fusion is a strong form of group alignment in which personal and group identities are activated synergistically to produce a visceral sense of 'oneness' with one's team. Here we examine the role of fusion (using a three-item state measure with high internal validity) in elevating salivary cortisol levels while watching football (n = 41). Our evidence was gathered at field laboratories during the 2014 sFIFA World Cup in Natal, Brazil, with live screenings of two Brazilian victories (Colombia, 2-1; Chile, 1-1 with penalties), and the historic semi-final loss to Germany (1-7). We replicated previous studies showing that salivary cortisol concentrations fluctuate during live football events and are related to group membershipbut we also extended them by showing that identity fusion is even more strongly related to cortisol concentrations than identification. We found an interaction between match outcome and cortisol, such that watching a loss, i.e. dysphoria, was associated with particularly high cortisol concentrations. While women were more fused to the team than men, there were no other gender effects. Taken together, these findings suggest that identity fusion modulates physiological reactivity, resulting in distinct psycho-physiological profiles during stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Newson
- Centre for Anthropology and Mind, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Victor Shiramizu
- Institute of Neuroscience & Psychology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | | | - Wallisen Hattori
- Department of Public Health, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Jonathan Jong
- Belief, Brain, and Behaviour Lab, Coventry University, Coventry, UK
| | - Emilia Yamamoto
- Psychobiology Graduation Program, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
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21
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Abstract
Recent theoretical advances in anthropology and group psychology suggest that sharing self-defining experiences creates identity fusion, a powerful form of social glue motivating prosocial action. Here, we present results of in-depth interviews with a sample of 31 inmates of an Australian prison and explore the theoretical implications of this work for interventions designed to reduce recidivism amongst ex-off enders. Our approach focusses on the implications of fusion theory both for desistance amongst released prisoners and for reinclusion into the community. We consider various ways in which existing interventions could be enhanced by applying this new theoretical knowledge and harnessing the bonding power of shared experience. We also point to features of current practice throughout the criminal justice system that encourage the adoption of inauthentic identities and thereby obstruct the potential for fusion to energise and embolden efforts at reform.
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22
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Robert L, Virpi L, John L. Self sacrifice and kin psychology in war: threats to family predict decisions to volunteer for a women's paramilitary organization. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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23
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Lobato RM, Sainz M. On the way to fusion through the pilgrims’ route: Factors that maintain identity fusion in collective rituals. GROUP PROCESSES & INTERGROUP RELATIONS 2019. [DOI: 10.1177/1368430219849690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Identity fusion, a visceral union between personal and group identity is considered to be triggered and maintained by collective rituals with certain characteristics (e.g., opaque causal actions, synchrony, high excitement) and by recalling such rituals. The purpose of the present research was to determine the factors that maintain identity fusion after taking part in the pilgrimage of the Way of Saint James. We conducted a study with pilgrims ( N = 609) to analyze the factors associated with the characteristics of rituals (Wave 1; finishing point of the pilgrimage) and the sharing of episodic memories (Wave 2; three months later) that contribute to maintaining identity fusion. Results indicated that engaging in ritual practices and recalling episodic memories of the pilgrimage through contact with other pilgrims contribute to maintaining identity fusion. The importance of contact after taking part in the ritual is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto M. Lobato
- Mind, Brain, and Behaviour Research Centre (Centro de Investigación Mente, Cerebro y Comportamiento or CIMCYC), Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Spain
| | - Mario Sainz
- Mind, Brain, and Behaviour Research Centre (Centro de Investigación Mente, Cerebro y Comportamiento or CIMCYC), Faculty of Psychology, University of Granada, Spain
- School of Psychology, University of Monterrey, Nuevo Léon, Mexico
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24
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Kapitány R, Kavanagh C, Buhrmester MD, Newson M, Whitehouse H. Ritual, identity fusion, and the inauguration of president Trump: a pseudo-experiment of ritual modes theory. SELF AND IDENTITY 2019. [DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2019.1578686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohan Kapitány
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Christopher Kavanagh
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, England
- Social Ecology and Psychology Lab, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Michael D. Buhrmester
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, England
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Martha Newson
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, England
| | - Harvey Whitehouse
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, The University of Oxford, Oxford, England
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25
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Newson M, Bortolini T, Buhrmester M, da Silva SR, da Aquino JNQ, Whitehouse H. Brazil's football warriors: Social bonding and inter-group violence. EVOL HUM BEHAV 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.evolhumbehav.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
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26
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Misch A, Fergusson G, Dunham Y. Temporal dynamics of partisan identity fusion and prosociality during the 2016 U.S. Presidential Election. SELF AND IDENTITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2018.1430063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Misch
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Grant Fergusson
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yarrow Dunham
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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27
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Kavanagh CM, Jong J, McKay R, Whitehouse H. Positive experiences of high arousal martial arts rituals are linked to identity fusion and costly pro-group actions. EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 49:461-481. [PMID: 31598015 PMCID: PMC6774318 DOI: 10.1002/ejsp.2514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
A cross‐sectional study was conducted with 605 practitioners of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ) to test the hypothesis that high arousal rituals promote social cohesion, primarily through identity fusion. BJJ promotion rituals are rare, highly emotional ritual events that often feature gruelling belt‐whipping gauntlets. We used the variation in such experiences to examine whether more gruelling rituals were associated with identity fusion and pro‐group behaviour. We found no differences between those who had undergone belt‐whipping and those who had not and no evidence of a correlation between pain and social cohesion. However, across the full sample we found that positive, but not negative, affective experiences of promotional rituals were associated with identity fusion and that this mediated pro‐group action. These findings provide new evidence concerning the social functions of collective rituals and highlight the importance of addressing the potentially diverging subjective experiences of painful rituals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jonathan Jong
- Centre for Advances in Behavioural Science Coventry University Coventry UK
| | - Ryan McKay
- Department of Psychology Royal Holloway University of London Egham UK
| | - Harvey Whitehouse
- Institute of Cognitive & Evolutionary Anthropology University of Oxford Oxford UK
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28
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Buhrmester MD, Newson M, Vázquez A, Hattori WT, Whitehouse H. Winning at any cost: Identity fusion, group essence, and maximizing ingroup advantage. SELF AND IDENTITY 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/15298868.2018.1452788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael D. Buhrmester
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Martha Newson
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Harvey Whitehouse
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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29
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Buhrmester MD, Burnham D, Johnson DDP, Curry OS, Macdonald DW, Whitehouse H. How Moments Become Movements: Shared Outrage, Group Cohesion, and the Lion That Went Viral. Front Ecol Evol 2018. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2018.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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Abstract
Whether upheld as heroic or reviled as terrorism, people have been willing to lay down their lives for the sake of their groups throughout history. Why? Previous theories of extreme self-sacrifice have highlighted a range of seemingly disparate factors, such as collective identity, outgroup hostility, and kin psychology. In this paper, I attempt to integrate many of these factors into a single overarching theory based on several decades of collaborative research with a range of special populations, from tribes in Papua New Guinea to Libyan insurgents and from Muslim fundamentalists in Indonesia to Brazilian football hooligans. These studies suggest that extreme self-sacrifice is motivated by identity fusion, a visceral sense of oneness with the group, resulting from intense collective experiences (e.g., painful rituals or the horrors of frontline combat) or from perceptions of shared biology. In ancient foraging societies, fusion would have enabled warlike bands to stand united despite strong temptations to scatter and flee. The fusion mechanism has often been exploited in cultural rituals, not only by tribal societies but also in specialized cells embedded in armies, cults, and terrorist organizations. With the rise of social complexity and the spread of states and empires, fusion has also been extended to much larger groups, including doctrinal religions, ethnicities, and ideological movements. Explaining extreme self-sacrifice is not only a scientific priority but also a practical challenge as we seek a collective response to suicide, terrorism, and other extreme expressions of outgroup hostility that continue to bedevil humanity today.
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31
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Bortolini T, Newson M, Natividade JC, Vázquez A, Gómez Á. Identity fusion predicts endorsement of pro-group behaviours targeting nationality, religion, or football in Brazilian samples. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2018; 57:346-366. [PMID: 29322509 DOI: 10.1111/bjso.12235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
A visceral feeling of oneness with a group - identity fusion - has proven to be a stronger predictor of pro-group behaviours than other measures of group bonding, such as group identification. However, the relationship between identity fusion, other group alignment measures and their different roles in predicting pro-group behaviour is still controversial. Here, we test whether identity fusion is related to, but different from, unidimensional and multidimensional measures of group identification. We also show that identity fusion explains further variance of the endorsement of pro-group behaviour than these alternative measures and examine the structural and discriminant properties of identity fusion and group identification measures in three different contexts: nationality, religion, and football fandom. Finally, we extend the fusion literature to a new culture: Brazil. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first research explicitly addressing a comparison between these two forms of group alignment, identity fusion and identification with a group, and their role in predicting pro-group behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Bortolini
- Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience Unit, D'Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Martha Newson
- Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford, UK
| | | | | | - Ángel Gómez
- National Distance Education University, Madrid, Spain
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32
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Abstract
A comprehensive explanation of extreme self-sacrifice would ideally clarify not only the proximate mechanisms leading to this behaviour, but also its developmental origins, its functions (if any), and its history. The theoretical framework set out in my target article has something to say about all of these dimensions, and many of the criticisms raised in the commentaries can therefore be addressed under those four main headings. In my response, I also discuss a set of proposals for further extending the framework. Finally, I conclude by distilling from the discussion a host of novel questions requiring further investigation.
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33
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Neural bases of ingroup altruistic motivation in soccer fans. Sci Rep 2017; 7:16122. [PMID: 29170383 PMCID: PMC5700961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-15385-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans have a strong need to belong to social groups and a natural inclination to benefit ingroup members. Although the psychological mechanisms behind human prosociality have extensively been studied, the specific neural systems bridging group belongingness and altruistic motivation remain to be identified. Here, we used soccer fandom as an ecological framing of group membership to investigate the neural mechanisms underlying ingroup altruistic behaviour in male fans using event-related functional magnetic resonance. We designed an effort measure based on handgrip strength to assess the motivation to earn money (i) for oneself, (ii) for anonymous ingroup fans, or (iii) for a neutral group of anonymous non-fans. While overlapping valuation signals in the medial orbitofrontal cortex (mOFC) were observed for the three conditions, the subgenual cingulate cortex (SCC) exhibited increased functional connectivity with the mOFC as well as stronger hemodynamic responses for ingroup versus outgroup decisions. These findings indicate a key role for the SCC, a region previously implicated in altruistic decisions and group affiliation, in dovetailing altruistic motivations with neural valuation systems in real-life ingroup behaviour.
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