Work

Shared dysphoric experiences activate identity fusion, but not forever

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Identity fusion is a synergistic union of the personal self and target of fusion that predicts extreme behaviours on its behalf. Previous work identified that intense shared dysphoric experiences cause fusion with groups, but no research to date has investigated changes in fusion before, during and after a collective traumatic experience. Six repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in Spain (2017-2022) (Study 1) showed that differences between sample means in fusion with the country increased during the COVID-19 pandemic but decreased when the COVID-19 subsided. In addition, an experiment provided support for these results (Study 2), since making salient the COVID-19 crisis (vs. neutral situation) increased fusion with the country. Finally, three additional repeated cross-sectional surveys conducted in Ukraine (Study 3), one month before the war, one month after the war began and eight months later, replicated that differences between sample means in fusion increased just when the war started, but decreased when the conflict turned chronic. The effects were replicated for fusion with a value, democracy. Apparently, dysphoric experiences represent a temporary drive of fusion, but not a maintenance factor.

Source: British Journal of Social Psychology

DOI: 10.1111/bjso.70026

Authors: Hend Bautista, Sara Fregenal, Alexandra Vázquez, Ángel Gómez, Mercedes Victoria Martínez Díaz

Institutions: Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia, Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Kesehatan Stella Maris Makassar, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos

Language: English

Topic: Social and Intergroup Psychology

Subfield: Sociology and Political Science

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,970