Summary

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Alignments with groups—from small communities of genetically related individuals to large metaphorical communities of strangers—profoundly affect the cognitive, affective, and behavioral aspects of human relationships with other group members. The theory of identity fusion explains a powerful form of group alignment whereby the boundaries between personal and social identities become highly permeable, creating a visceral sense of oneness with that group. Such an alignment usually occurs at the local level in groups where members know each other personally, creating local identity fusion. However, a similar alignment process can happen in large imaginary communities (for example, all humanity or all living beings), creating extended identity fusion. Among well-established pathways to fusion are shared biology and shared personally transformative experiences with other group members. The transformative experiences leading to fusion have been studied in various contexts, from religious rituals to watching football matches. Could contemplative training similarly provide a way of fusing with groups of unrelated individuals? This project aims to study the association between meditative practice and identity fusion. Several empirical studies with overlapping objectives are planned to explore what practices are mainly related to identity fusion, determine its formation pathways, and test the fusion relationship with empathy and altruism towards group members. 

Research Output