Recent theoretical advances in anthropology and group psychology suggest that sharing self-defi ning experiences creates identity fusion, a powerful form of social glue motivating prosocial action. Here, we present results of in-depth interviews with a sample of 31 inmates of an Australian prison and explore the theoretical implications of this work for interventions designed to reduce recidivism amongst ex-off enders. Our approach focusses on the implications of fusion theory both for desistance amongst released prisoners and for reinclusion into the community. We consider various ways in which existing interventions could be enhanced by applying this new theoretical knowledge and harnessing the bonding power of shared experience. We also point to features of current practice throughout the criminal justice system that encourage the adoption of inauthentic identities and thereby obstruct the potential for fusion to energise and embolden eff orts at reform.

中文翻译：

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融合与改革

人类学和群体心理学的最新理论进展表明，分享自我定义的经验会产生身份融合，这是一种促使亲社会行为的强大社会胶合形式。在这里，我们介绍了对澳大利亚监狱的31名囚犯进行的深入访谈的结果，并探讨了这项工作对旨在减少前行者惯犯的干预措施的理论意义。我们的方法既关注融合理论对释放囚犯的戒心以及重新融入社区的影响。我们考虑通过应用这种新的理论知识并利用共享经验的结合力来增强现有干预措施的各种方式。