the discomfort of conflicting ideas
This article shows that people who score higher in psychological entitlement are more likely to respond with anger when they experience bad luck, even when no one is to blame. This effect is specific to personal experiences and does not extend to imagining others in similar situations.
Individuals higher in psychological entitlement respond to bad luck with anger Read More »
This study investigates whether the race of a civilian influences the likelihood that police officers use force during 911 dispatches. Using a large dataset linking police use of force to the race of both civilians and dispatching officers, the authors find that Black civilians are more likely to experience force—especially when the responding officer is white.
Does Race Matter for Police Use of Force? Evidence from 911 Calls Read More »
Leon Festinger’s A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance proposes that people experience psychological discomfort (dissonance) when they hold conflicting beliefs, attitudes, or behaviors, and will strive to reduce this discomfort by changing one or more of these elements. The theory explains a wide range of human behaviors related to justification, attitude change, and rationalization
A Theory of Cognitive Dissonance Read More »
Patricia Wallace’s The Psychology of the Internet provides a comprehensive research‑based overview of how online environments shape human behavior, emotions, and social interaction across contexts such as impression formation, group dynamics, aggression, attraction, altruism, privacy, gaming, development, and gender. The book integrates classic and contemporary psychological research to explain why people behave differently online and how those behaviors both reflect and inform social life on the Internet.
The Psychology of the Internet Read More »
In Brief: While the holidays are often framed as a time for togetherness, for many, they represent a peak period
Going No Contact: The Psychology of Family Estrangement and Self-Preservation Read More »
In Brief: We live in an era of epistemic crisis, where the foundational trust required for scientific progress and social
Engineered Doubt: The Psychology of Epistemic Sabotage and the Erosion of Trust Read More »
In Brief: Limerence is not a synonym for love; it is a state of cognitive and emotional capture. Characterized by
Limerence: The Neurobiology of Obsession and the Illusion of Intimacy Read More »
In Brief: We often think of power as something that is exerted through direct orders or force. However, the most
Invisible Strings: The Psychology of Anticipatory Compliance and Internalized Control Read More »
In Brief: Politeness is often viewed as a lubricant for social friction, but a deeper scientific analysis reveals it as
The Politeness Protocol: Social Influence, Power Dynamics, and the Psychology of Control Read More »
In Brief: Certain phrases are designed not to open dialogue, but to close it. By using “weaponized empathy” through emotional
Weaponized Empathy: The Psychology of Persuasive Phrases and Moral Framing Read More »
