Becoming part of me: Examining when objects, thoughts, goals, and people become fused with the self‐concept. Issue 1 (18th December 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hatvany, Thomas; Burkley, Edward; Curtis, Jessica
• Is Part Of: Social and personality psychology compass. Volume 12:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-12-18
• Subjects: Social psychology -- Periodicals; Personality -- Periodicals; 302
• DOI: 10.1111/spc3.12369
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-9004

Abstract

Abstract: Fusion refers to the sense that a construct is integrated into the self‐concept. When a person feels fused with a construct, there is a perceived "oneness" with the construct, and as a result, the construct is treated as an extension of the self. This concept of fusion has been explored across a wide range of constructs and within a number of subfields in psychology. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive view of the fusion process and to connect these disparate areas of literature underneath a single unifying theme. Specifically, we focus on five constructs that researchers have explored in terms of fusion: objects, thoughts, goals, significant others, and groups. In our review, we discuss the ways that fusion is typically measured and highlight the consequences that occur as a result of such fusion. We conclude by highlighting questions that remain unanswered and suggest potential areas of future development.