Social Psychology

A 2025 survey highlights a deep divide in American political attitudes, with a substantial minority prioritizing strong leadership over democratic processes. Researchers found one-third of adults would trade democracy for a political leader who shares their values and interests.

Experiences of awe may foster deep bonds with social groups. A study in Emotion indicates that awe enhances identity fusion, blending personal identity with group identity and potentially encouraging cooperation, unity, and a willingness to work toward shared goals.

Ten years of nationwide data from New Zealand reveal most White men report low and stable perceptions of discrimination. But two smaller groups feel disadvantaged or increasingly marginalized, linking these views to well-being and political attitudes over time.

A large-scale study has found that people tend to pair based on shared social environments, not simply educational attainment. Published in Nature Communications, the research challenges key assumptions about assortative mating and how advantage is passed from parents to children.

The term "left-wing authoritarianism" may need re-examination, according to new research. A study developing a scale for leftist attitudes found they are better described as radical and anti-establishment, not necessarily authoritarian in nature.

A new study in PNAS Nexus suggests that political users on Reddit express morality differently depending on context. Left-leaning users consistently moralize their views, while right-leaning users appear to express moral judgments more selectively, depending on the audience.

Psychopathic traits like low empathy and impulsivity are linked to specific mating strategies, new research confirms. A comprehensive meta-analysis has established a robust correlation between trait psychopathy and a greater willingness to engage in casual sex without emotional commitment.

A new study suggests testosterone can influence how men respond in social conflicts. When given testosterone gel, participants were more likely to mimic cooperation or defection—and to react emotionally—during a variant of the classic Prisoner’s Dilemma game.

A new study finds that phone use during conversations, known as phubbing, may lead to emotional disconnection in couples. The research suggests that feeling deprived of affection plays a key role in how phubbing affects relationship satisfaction.

Romantic partnerships are central to many lives, but what about those who go without? A major new study explores the well-being of people who have never had sex, finding connections to loneliness, happiness, and surprising environmental and genetic factors.

Your biological age may be influenced by your social life, according to new research. A new study reveals that sustained social advantages are linked to slower epigenetic aging and lower levels of systemic inflammation.

New research shows that Black Americans who feel personally affected by what happens to others of the same race or skin tone tend to report greater psychological distress, suggesting that identity-based vulnerability is linked to mental health outcomes.

A new study suggests that naming an expert source can slightly increase how accurate people find scientific claims. While liberals generally trust experts more, conservatives respond positively when claims come from named experts, especially in economics or science.

After Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter, many scientists report the platform is no longer suitable for professional use. A recent survey indicates that researchers are increasingly turning to Bluesky, which they view as more useful, welcoming, and aligned with their...

While dating apps are often associated with hookups or relationships, a new study suggests people use them for many reasons, including friendship, curiosity, and emotional support. This new analysis focused on qualitative research often overlooked in large-scale surveys.