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Admiration for Islamist groups encourages self-sacrifice through identity fusion

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Listed:
  • Á. Gómez

    (Artis International
    Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia)

  • J. J. Bélanger

    (New York University Abu Dhabi)

  • J. Chinchilla

    (Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia)

  • A. Vázquez

    (Artis International
    Universidad Nacional de Educación a Distancia)

  • B. M. Schumpe

    (New York University Abu Dhabi)

  • C. F. Nisa

    (New York University Abu Dhabi)

  • S. Chiclana

    (Secretaría General de Instituciones Penitenciarias Ministerio del Interior)

Abstract

The psychological mechanisms that lead terrorists to make costly sacrifices for their ideological convictions are of great theoretical and practical importance. We investigate two key components of this process: (1) the feeling of admiration toward ingroup members making costly self-sacrifices for their ideological group, and (2) identity fusion with religion. Data collected in 27 Spanish prisons reveal that jihadists’ admiration toward members of radical Islamist groups amplifies their willingness to engage in costly sacrifices for religion in prison. This effect is produced because admiration toward radical Islamist groups has a binding effect, increasing identity fusion with religion. Five additional experiments provide causal and behavioural evidence for this model. By showing that admiration for ingroup members increases identity fusion, which in turn makes individuals prone to engage in costly pro-group behaviours, we provide insights into the emotional machineries of radicalization and open new avenues for prevention strategies to strengthen public safety.

Suggested Citation

  • Á. Gómez & J. J. Bélanger & J. Chinchilla & A. Vázquez & B. M. Schumpe & C. F. Nisa & S. Chiclana, 2021. "Admiration for Islamist groups encourages self-sacrifice through identity fusion," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:pal:palcom:v:8:y:2021:i:1:d:10.1057_s41599-021-00734-9
    DOI: 10.1057/s41599-021-00734-9
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jonathan Jong & Harvey Whitehouse & Christopher Kavanagh & Justin Lane, 2015. "Shared Negative Experiences Lead to Identity Fusion via Personal Reflection," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 10(12), pages 1-12, December.
    2. Martha Newson & Michael Buhrmester & Harvey Whitehouse, 2016. "Explaining Lifelong Loyalty: The Role of Identity Fusion and Self-Shaping Group Events," PLOS ONE, Public Library of Science, vol. 11(8), pages 1-13, August.
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