Social Psychology

New research provides evidence that combining minor psychological differences in cognition, personality, and interests can predict a person’s sex with 80 percent accuracy. These subtle traits might play a notable role in shaping our real-world career choices.

When young Americans use dating apps, political labels act as major dealbreakers. A new study in the European Sociological Review reveals that daters penalize opposing political views heavily, driven by assumed lifestyle clashes and fear of family disapproval.

Researchers have developed a dual-threat model to explain modern antisemitism. The findings suggest that believing Jewish people hold excessive power triggers unique psychological fears across the political divide.

People consistently assume that others are much more likely to lie and cheat than they actually are. Research in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology suggests that providing accurate information about honesty levels improves overall social trust.

A popular theory suggests voters reject opposing facts to avoid the emotional pain of being wrong. New research tested this idea and found that managing our feelings does not actually close the partisan divide over basic reality.

A recent nationwide survey suggests that adults who strongly approve of the National Rifle Association are more likely to justify and express a willingness to participate in politically motivated violence.

A new study suggests that experiencing a mental illness is becoming a distinct political identity, particularly among Gen Z. Those who strongly identify with their mental health conditions are increasingly demanding expanded healthcare, education, and welfare funding.

By measuring brainwaves and startle reflexes on a smartphone, researchers discovered that psychopathic traits like boldness overload attention to ignore threats, while meanness is tied to a biological deficit in emotional processing.

The debate over World Cup icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo isn't just about soccer. New research spanning 26 countries reveals that liberals generally prefer Messi, while conservatives favor Ronaldo, especially among younger, politically divided generations.

Political anger doesn’t always lead to violence. A new study shows that intense frustration only increases support for undemocratic behaviors when people feel the government is ignoring them, suggesting responsive institutions are vital for a healthy democracy.

Are Machiavellianism and psychopathy the same trait? A new 30-day diary study reveals that while these dark personalities look identical on paper, tracking daily behavior shows they operate in completely distinct ways.

A recent study reveals that adults who exceed their ideal family size experience lower emotional well-being. By contrast, people who have fewer children than desired report similar happiness levels to those who meet their parenting goals.

New psychological research reveals that everyday sadistic tendencies and a cynical, manipulative nature powerfully fuel militant extremist beliefs. By analyzing dark personality traits and moral judgments, scientists are uncovering how ordinary people justify political violence.

Despite popular beliefs linking psychedelic drugs to open-mindedness, new research published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggests that substances like psilocybin and LSD do not reliably alter a person's authoritarian political views.

Because algorithms focus on maximizing short-term engagement, they often prevent us from discovering new genres. A recent study reveals that slightly imperfect recommendation systems are actually much better at satisfying our evolving, long-term entertainment tastes.