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Society for Personality and Social Psychology


Church, couch, couple: Social psychological connections between people and physical space

Research by Benjamin Meagher highlights the importance of ecological psychology in understanding how people shape their environments to support their personalities. By examining couples' homes and community designs, scientists can identify patterns that promote healthier behavior and positive experiences among occupants.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateMay 30, 2019

Logical reasoning: An antidote or a poison for political disagreement?

A new study explores ideological belief bias, where people judge logical arguments based on their believability rather than sound premises. Liberals and conservatives showed varying levels of ability to identify flawed arguments supporting opposing views. The findings suggest that being open to the other side can lead to a better under...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 17, 2019

For some people, attractive wives and high status husbands enhance marital quality

A recent study found that individuals who prioritize making the best choices in their relationships, known as maximizers, tend to be more satisfied in their marriages. Maximizing men with attractive wives reported higher satisfaction, while maximizing women with high-status husbands experienced less decline in satisfaction over time.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 28, 2019

Ethnic minorities not 'hypersensitive' to microaggressions, research shows

A new study by Dr. Keon West found that ethnic minorities and majorities experience similar decreases in happiness and life satisfaction after microaggressions. The researcher argues that the 'hypersensitivity hypothesis' has undermined the severity of microaggression effects, suggesting a shift towards eliminating these experiences.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 24, 2019

Focusing on next 10 years could lead to better use of recommendations for cancer screening

A recent study found that asking individuals to set up a long-term screening schedule can increase adherence to evidence-based guidelines for cancer screening. In the study, 62.6% of participants made decisions reflecting USPSTF's recommendations when asked to choose a screening schedule for the next 10 years.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 20, 2018

The best hedge fund managers are not psychopaths or narcissists, according to new study

Researchers found that hedge fund managers with psychopathic traits made less profitable investments, while those with narcissistic traits took more risks to earn the same amount of money as their peers. The study suggests that Dark Triad personality traits are not desirable in investment managers.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 19, 2017

Religious affiliation impacts language use on Facebook

A study of 12,815 U.S. and U.K. Facebook users found that religious affiliation is associated with the use of positive emotion and social words, while non-religious individuals use more negative emotion and cognitive processes. The researchers also discovered that non-religious people make more frequent mention of the body and death th...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 22, 2017

A suspicious mind leads to a suspicious face

A series of studies shows that Black participants who hold suspicious views of Whites visualize White faces as less trustworthy, authentic, and sometimes more hostile. The authors suggest both potential advantages and drawbacks to these biases. Recruiting minority group participants is crucial to understanding intergroup dynamics.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 9, 2017

Individuals of victimized groups require group sincerity before giving forgiveness

Researchers found that democratic decision-making processes and majority endorsement within offender groups influence victims' perception of sincerity and conciliatory response. The study suggests that governments and political leaders should build consensus within their group about the appropriateness of an apology to the victim group.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateApr 4, 2017

For decision-makers who want the best, focus on the strategy

Research shows that people who focus on finding the best option (maximizers) may experience frustration and regret when re-evaluating their choices. Maximizing can lead to depression, lower life satisfaction, and procrastination. On the other hand, a strategic approach to decision-making can lead to satisfying outcomes.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateFeb 13, 2017

Real men don't say 'cute'

Using natural language processing, researchers found that people often incorrectly categorize individuals based on gender, age, education level, or political orientation. The study also reveals how multiple stereotypes can affect each other, leading to false conclusions about individuals.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 15, 2016