Political Psychology

Lawmakers frequently name bills after victims of tragic events to rally public support. A new psychology study reveals that attaching a personal narrative to proposed legislation reliably boosts voter approval, driven largely by feelings of sympathy.

New research suggests that narcissistic personality traits are actually linked to lower levels of left-wing authoritarianism. The findings contradict claims that individuals with dark personalities are widely drawn to progressive activism simply to feed their own egos.

The viral "folk hero" narrative surrounding the arrest of Luigi Mangione didn't just target corporate America. New research shows the event increased Democrats' willingness to endorse hypothetical acts of violence against Republican opponents.

The rise of anti-democratic sentiments might be driven by social contagion. Researchers have discovered that citizens often adapt their personal support for authoritarian rule to align with the political views of those around them.

A recent study suggests that public opinion on artificial intelligence is already deeply divided. These beliefs about job security and economic threats align with existing political lines, creating an easy opportunity for politicians to exploit voter anxiety.

Research published in the American Behavioral Scientist indicates voters actively rationalize legal scandals to protect their political identity. This mental effort dictates whether individuals view a politician's criminal conviction as a fair judgment or a politically motivated attack.

Does doubting election results make people withdraw from politics? According to new research, it does the exact opposite for conservative voters, motivating them to attend rallies and donate to campaigns.

A new study of Belgian elections reveals that while compulsory voting drastically increases turnout, it does not automatically make citizens more interested in politics, knowledgeable about government, or supportive of democracy.

Political beliefs now dictate more than just voting habits. Recent research reveals that our partisan identities actively shape how we interpret smiles, manage our moral boundaries, and even decide how many children to have.

When Donald Trump unexpectedly praised face masks in 2020, his supporters began wearing them more frequently without actually believing they prevented disease. This unusual behavioral split reveals how trusted leaders can shape public habits during acute health crises.

Education is replacing race as the primary ideological divider in American politics, a new study finds. Less-educated Americans of all races are moving toward conservatism, while college graduates are becoming more liberal.

As elections approach, instances of community violence often rise. A recent analysis of voting behavior suggests that African American voters residing in areas with higher hate crime rates are increasingly choosing mail-in ballots over visiting physical polling places.

While attractive political candidates often enjoy an advantage at the ballot box, new research indicates that a pleasing physical appearance is not linked to shifting how lawmakers actually vote once they take office.

A new study challenges the popular claim that liberals have an "inverted" moral compass. Researchers found that while the political left extends compassion to outsiders, they still put family and friends at the top.

A recent study of over two million tweets suggests members of Congress are increasingly using angry rhetoric on social media. Researchers found that Democratic lawmakers are disproportionately driving this trend of digital outrage to build their political brands.