Identity fusion "in the wild": Moving toward or away from a general theory of identity fusion?. (27th December 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Swann, William B.; Jetten, Jolanda
• Is Part Of: Behavioral and brain sciences. Volume 41(2018)
• Publication Date: 2018-12-27
• Subjects: Psychophysiology -- Periodicals; Psychology -- Periodicals; Human behavior -- Periodicals; Animal behavior -- Periodicals; Brain -- Periodicals; 616.89142
• DOI: 10.1017/S0140525X18001589
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-525X

Abstract

Abstract: Whitehouse's focus on two causes of identity fusion (evolution and shared experiences/biology) deepens understanding of these specific topics. While we applaud his analysis, in his efforts to elaborate these two causes, he has – perhaps unavoidably – produced a narrower conceptualization of identity fusion. This is unfortunate because it undermines his stated goal of developing a more general, encompassing theory.