Social Psychology

New research suggests that negative emotions disrupt our ability to learn social patterns. A study found that people struggle to identify cause-and-effect relationships when viewing sad, angry, or fearful faces compared to happy ones.

A new study reveals that personality traits like anxiety and irritability are linked to liberal beliefs in young Americans. This association was not found in older cohorts or in international samples outside the United States.

Research involving four studies found that men’s value for a large penis relates to threatened masculinity, dominance, and aggression. The findings suggest that feeling inadequate as a man increases the desire for a large penis.

People judge race and gender bias more harshly than attractiveness bias, but not because they approve of "lookism." A new study reveals we simply fail to notice attractiveness bias, whereas other prejudices are easily spotted.

Research shows that highlighting female victims elicits as much outrage as highlighting children. However, this protective instinct disappears when women step outside traditional gender roles, such as serving as soldiers.

Research suggests men misinterpret friendliness as sexual interest when they are aroused. Additionally, men who rate themselves as physically attractive are more prone to this "overperception bias," regardless of the woman's actual behavior.

New research reveals that humans can physically absorb fear from robots. The study found that holding a robot simulating rapid breathing causes a person’s heart rate to rise, suggesting emotions spread through touch.

A longitudinal analysis of British and German youth finds that staying single through the twenties correlates with rising loneliness and falling life satisfaction, widening the gap with partnered peers.

A new review suggests that children’s awareness of wealth and power disparities drives racial bias. Kids as young as three associate high status with positive traits, often favoring White individuals.

A series of three studies suggests that voluntarily childfree adults are perceived as less warm than parents. Discrimination was linked to viewing childfree people as narcissistic, selfish, or less human.

A new fMRI study finds that people with excessive smartphone habits show increased activity in brain regions associated with social pain when excluded. This suggests hypersensitivity to rejection may drive compulsive connectivity.

Researchers surveyed citizens in nine countries to understand the rise of right-wing populism. They found that support typically stems from either a desire for democratic reform or a specific preference for authoritarian control.

Scientists investigating the "cult of personality" surrounding Donald Trump found that his staunchest supporters score unusually high in conscientiousness.

A meta-analysis of 27 studies reveals that individuals who struggle to form secure emotional bonds are more likely to exhibit manipulative, Machiavellian personality traits.

A new analysis of U.S. data reveals that mortality rates rise in counties supporting losing presidential candidates. The study suggests political disappointment leads to stress and social isolation, increasing death rates by 7 per 100,000 people.