Political Psychology

Can you successfully argue a viewpoint you deeply disagree with? Researchers have developed a behavioral test inspired by artificial intelligence research to measure political and social empathy, revealing high levels of mutual understanding across polarizing debates.

New research reveals that conservatives report more favorable attitudes toward addictive products than liberals. This ideological divide stems from conservatives' stronger sense of personal control.

A new study reveals that the "angry Black woman" stereotype largely fails to capture how emotions drive political engagement. Depending on the topic, feelings of fear, hope, and anger push Black women into distinctly different avenues of political activism.

When politicians speak, supporters and opponents hear different things. A new study provides evidence that our political identities dictate our basic language comprehension, making us much more likely to understand the meanings of politicians we support.

A new study published in PNAS reveals that Trump’s recent calls for censorship successfully swayed his voters to support restricting speech. Meanwhile, the same rhetoric caused non-Trump voters to become even stronger advocates for free expression.

Quality sleep provides the energy necessary to engage in democracy. A new study finds that while rested citizens are more likely to vote, those struggling with sleep disruptions often channel their frustrations into boycotts and protests instead.

During the 2024 election, Democrats overwhelmingly rejected the way Donald Trump communicates. In contrast, Republicans were much more likely to tolerate Kamala Harris's speaking style.

While most Americans want the government to formally define ultra-processed foods, fewer support grocery taxes or food assistance restrictions. A new study highlights how income, political affiliation, and personal beliefs shape public opinion on food regulations.

Does protecting free speech harm vulnerable minorities? A new analysis of over 600,000 people suggests the opposite, finding that individuals who prioritize open expression hold significantly more tolerant attitudes toward marginalized groups.

By measuring facial expressions and heart rates, researchers discovered that momentary emotional reactions often align with political ideology, predicting whether individuals find factually true or false statements trustworthy.

How do prejudiced beliefs influence the ballot box? A comprehensive review of nearly 100 studies provides evidence that different types of sexism strongly predict political behavior.

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.

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.