| Résumé: | The fusion of personal and group identities can lead to self-sacrificial pro-group behavior.
Two pathways to identity fusion – via shared biology and shared experiences – have been
proposed. This article elucidates a new developmental account of the origins and mechanisms
of these two pathways to identity fusion from childhood to adulthood. Whereas fusion based
on shared biology occurs from early childhood cued by phenotypic similarity, fusion based
on episodic memories of shared experiences is not possible until mid-adolescence, and relies
on suitable bonding experiences (e.g. painful initiation rituals, emotionally intense team
sports, etc.). The critical development that enables fusion based on shared experiences is
autobiographical reasoning, which entails connecting one’s past experiences to the present
self. Autobiographical reasoning begins in adolescence, which may explain the flourishing of
fusion in late adolescence and young adulthood relative to other life periods. Fusion via either
pathway is linked to strong pro-group behavior, both positive and negative. We outline a
program of empirical research on the development of identity fusion, while addressing
relevant methodological challenges. A developmental framework may help foster efforts to
harness identity fusion for peaceful rather than violent forms of self-sacrifice for the group.
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