Political Psychology

Do good looks hurt female politicians? Researchers analyzing German elections found no evidence of a “beauty is beastly effect.” In fact, physical attractiveness correlated with higher vote shares for both men and women.

A comprehensive analysis of over 4,000 individuals reveals that romantic partners with differing political views experience a modest drop in relationship quality. The findings suggest polarization now permeates private life.

A new study in Political Psychology challenges the idea that political centrists are uniformly moderate. The findings suggest the scale’s midpoint hides a diverse group of individuals, including those with strong anti-establishment and populist beliefs.

A new study in Cognition reveals that when evaluating political arguments, your prior beliefs matter far more than the actual logic. Researchers found that confirmation bias outweighs evidence quality by a significant margin.

Believing lies isn't always about ignorance; sometimes it's about dominance. New studies spanning eight countries reveal that for many, rejecting shared reality is a way to signal symbolic strength and psychological independence.

A new longitudinal study suggests a two-way relationship between environmental activism and personality. Findings indicate that while specific traits predict involvement, activism itself may increase narcissism and psychopathy over time.

A study published in PNAS Nexus finds that seeing extreme wealth increases support for redistribution. While ignorance of inequality keeps low-income individuals poorer, it paradoxically leaves them more satisfied with their lives.

Political instability often drives voters toward populism. A new study shows that reframing uncertainty as an opportunity can reverse this trend, fostering openness to diversity and reducing support for right-wing parties.

A new survey indicates that while MAGA Republicans frequently view political violence as justified, they are not more likely than other groups to express a personal willingness to engage in it.

New research links anti-egalitarian beliefs to leniency toward corporate wrongdoing. Published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, the study suggests this tendency is not simply about being politically liberal or conservative.

How a company treats its employees has become a public signal of its values, according to new research. A study finds that strict employee control policies can alienate liberal consumers.

How do you spot a narcissistic leader? Researchers have found a clue hiding in plain sight.

After Donald Trump returned to the presidency in 2024, Democrats and Republicans sharply diverged in how they viewed the economy. A new study suggests these differences weren’t just partisan performance but reflected genuine beliefs.

In a polarized political climate, offending the other side can be a strategic move. New research shows how inflammatory rhetoric signals a candidate's loyalty to their base by proving they are unwilling to compromise with opponents.

When people feel their fundamental needs are being ignored by society, it can fuel an attraction to radical political movements. New research investigates how this sense of deprivation interacts with an authoritarian worldview to influence political sympathies.