Identity Fusion with a Political Leader: The Role of Value Congruence in Predicting Violent Intentions and Prosociality

Abstract

The present research investigated behavioral outcomes of identity fusion with a political leader and the mechanisms under which these outcomes occur. Across two studies conducted in the U.S. (N = 212) and in Montenegro (N = 176), and targeting four political leaders, this research investigated the role of personal and perceived leader’s social dominance orientation (SDO) in predicting violent intentions and prosociality as consequences of identity fusion with a political leader. Hierarchical multiple regressions were conducted to test for the value congruence effect on predicting behavioral outcomes through identity fusion. Findings did not demonstrate a significant effect of value congruence between personal and perceived leader’s SDO in predicting behavioral outcomes. However, several interaction effects were demonstrated. Theoretical implications are discussed.