Admiration for Islamist groups encourages self-sacrifice through identity fusion

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 this process: (1) the feeling admiration toward ingroup members making self-sacrifices group, (2) identity fusion with religion. Data collected in 27 Spanish prisons reveal jihadists’ radical Islamist groups amplifies willingness engage religion prison. This effect is produced because has a binding effect, increasing Five additional experiments provide causal behavioural evidence model. By showing increases fusion, which turn makes individuals prone pro-group behaviours, we insights into emotional machineries radicalization open new avenues prevention strategies strengthen public safety.