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The evolution of extreme cooperation via shared dysphoric experiences
Harvey Whitehouse1, Jonathan Jong1,2, Michael D Buhrmester1
1Institute of Cognitive and Evolutionary Anthropology, University of Oxford, 51-53 Banbury Road, Oxford OX2 6PE UK.
Scientific Reports
|March 15, 2017
Summary
Sharing painful experiences can lead to "identity fusion," a deep sense of oneness. This feeling motivates self-sacrifice for the group, explaining evolutionary puzzles of costly pro-group behavior.
Area of Science:
- Evolutionary Psychology
- Social Psychology
Background:
- Willingness to sacrifice for non-kin is an evolutionary puzzle.
- Historical and ethnographic data document such altruistic behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a mathematical model explaining the evolution of costly pro-group behavior.
- To empirically test the model's predictions in diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- Developed a mathematical model of cooperation.
- Conducted empirical tests on military veterans, fraternity/sorority members, football fans, martial artists, and twins.
- Measured the impact of shared painful experiences on group cohesion and self-sacrifice.
Main Results:
- Shared painful experiences foster "identity fusion," a visceral sense of oneness.
- Identity fusion significantly motivates self-sacrifice and willingness to fight for the group.
- The model successfully predicts the evolution of individually costly pro-group behavior.
Conclusions:
- Shared dysphoric experiences are a key mechanism for developing identity fusion.
- This understanding sheds light on phenomena like suicide terrorism and intergroup conflict.
- Identity fusion provides a framework for understanding extreme group loyalty and sacrifice.
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