معرفی
William B. Swann is a Professor of Social and Personality Psychology at The University of Texas at Austin, with appointments in the Psychology Department, Clinical Psychology, and the School of Business. He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota and an undergraduate degree from Gettysburg College. His research focuses on self-verification theory, identity negotiation, and identity fusion, exploring how individuals seek to be understood by others and how group cohesion drives extreme behaviors such as self-sacrifice. He has been a Fellow at Princeton University and the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, and is a Fellow of the APA and APS. His work has been featured in the Washington Post.
Swann's research emphasizes identity fusion theory, which explains how individuals' deep connection to groups (e.g., nations, militaries) motivates self-sacrificial actions. Notable studies include international collaborations on Libya's 2011 revolution and the relationship between identity fusion and support for authoritarianism. He teaches courses on social psychology, the self, and identity, offering both graduate and undergraduate versions. He has supervised numerous student research projects and received awards from the NIMH and NSF.
His awards include multiple research scientist development awards from the NIMH, NSF grants, and recognition as a Fellow in prestigious institutions. Swann's work bridges social and clinical psychology, addressing topics like terrorism, group loyalty, and moral decision-making. His recent focus on identity fusion's implications for intergroup harmony and conflict continues to shape understanding of collective behavior.
