Social Psychology Matters explores the significance of social psychology in the twenty-first century and the important contribution it can and does make to understanding ourselves and others in today?s world. This book is designed to help the reader navigate the complex and ever-changing nature of the discipline and gain an overview of the key concepts, methods and theories. The authors adopt a broad approach to trace the roots and legacies of social psychology with a keen eye to the future. Each chapter provides an in-depth look at a social psychological topic of significance, ranging from self and conflict to families and embodiment. Four theoretical perspectives ? cognitive social, discursive psychological, phenomenological and social psychoanalytic ? enable students to critically analyse social psychological research. These perspectives are interpreted through the interrogative themes of: Individual?society dualism Agency?structure dualism Situated knowledges Power relations This stimulating and accessible text uses real-life experience to demonstrate why social psychology matters and how our understanding of these topics can be continually enhanced and constructively applied.

"Social Psychology and Counseling offers a rather innovative approach to the social psychological underpinnings of professional mental health services in two respects. First, while psychology has been applied to the subject of mental health in the past, little effort has been directed to link the typical topics of social psychology to the subject of counseling practice. Thus, this volume examines such traditional social psychological topics as conformity, aggression, interpersonal attraction and prejudice with specific attention to the ways in which extant research and theory in such areas can inform professional practice. Second, most of the authors in this volume are engaged in professional practice while recently completing academic training in scholarly investigations required for a Ph.D. While most of the authors are thus in early stages of their careers, they offer especially contemporary interpretations of both research and practice related to such issues as risky behavior among adolescents, violent tendencies of incarcerated offenders, impacts of social media use on depression, social influences on eating disorders and body dissatisfaction, school violence, and consequences of stereotype threat. Chapters deal with implications for policy as well as psychotherapy, and perspectives from positive psychology are used in considering the enhancement of mental health and interpersonal relations as well as the prevention of mental health problems. Finally, the critical social theory that serves to ground a commitment to social justice in the programs of most of the authors is reflected here in chapters that challenge assumptions of mainstream social psychology particularly around issues of race and culture"--

Evidence is mounting that we are not as in control of our judgments and behavior as we think we are. Unconscious or ‘automatic’ forms of psychological and behavioral processes are those of which we tend to be unaware, that occur without our intention or consent, yet influence us on a daily basis in profound ways. Automatic processes influence our likes and dislikes for almost everything, as well as how we perceive other people, such as when we make stereotypic assumptions about someone based on their race or gender or social class. Even more strikingly, the latest research is showing that the aspects of life that are the richest experience and most important to us - such as emotions and our close relationships, as well as the pursuit of our important life tasks and goals - also have substantial unconscious components. Social Psychology and the Unconscious: The Automaticity of Higher Mental Processes offers a state-of-the-art review of the evidence and theory supporting the existence and the significance of automatic processes in our daily lives, with chapters by the leading researchers in this field today, across a spectrum of psychological phenomena from emotions and motivations to social judgment and behavior. The volume provides an introduction and overview of these now central topics to graduate students and researchers in social psychology and a range of allied disciplines with an interest in human behavior and the unconscious, such as cognitive psychology, philosophy of mind, political science, and business.

The authors present an insight into the social psychology of experience drawing upon a few classic works to help develop their argument. The signficance of their ideas for developing a contemporary psychology of experience is illustrated with material from studies focused on setting at home and at work.

This student-friendly introduction to the field focuses on understanding social and practical problems and developing intervention strategies to address them. Offering a balance of theory, research, and application, the updated Third Edition includes the latest research, as well as new, detailed examples of qualitative research throughout.

A TIMES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2021 'Punchy, funny and invigorating ... Pinker is the high priest of rationalism' Sunday Times 'If you've ever considered taking drugs to make yourself smarter, read Rationality instead. It's cheaper, more entertaining, and more effective' Jonathan Haidt, author of The Righteous Mind In the twenty-first century, humanity is reaching new heights of scientific understanding - and at the same time appears to be losing its mind. How can a species that discovered vaccines for Covid-19 in less than a year produce so much fake news, quack cures and conspiracy theorizing? In Rationality, Pinker rejects the cynical cliché that humans are simply an irrational species - cavemen out of time fatally cursed with biases, fallacies and illusions. After all, we discovered the laws of nature, lengthened and enriched our lives and set the benchmarks for rationality itself. Instead, he explains, we think in ways that suit the low-tech contexts in which we spend most of our lives, but fail to take advantage of the powerful tools of reasoning we have built up over millennia: logic, critical thinking, probability, causal inference, and decision-making under uncertainty. These tools are not a standard part of our educational curricula, and have never been presented clearly and entertainingly in a single book - until now. Rationality matters. It leads to better choices in our lives and in the public sphere, and is the ultimate driver of social justice and moral progress. Brimming with insight and humour, Rationality will enlighten, inspire and empower. 'A terrific book, much-needed for our time' Peter Singer

Employing a lively and accessible writing style, author Daniel W. Barrett integrates up-to-date coverage of social psychology’s core theories, concepts, and research with a discussion of emerging developments in the field—including social neuroscience and the social psychology of happiness, religion, and sustainability. Social Psychology: Core Concepts and Emerging Trends presents engaging examples, Applying Social Psychology sections, and a wealth of pedagogical features to help readers cultivate a deep understanding of the causes of social behavior.

This is an introductory social psychology textbook that acknowledges two very different approaches being taken to social psychology - experimental and critical. These conflicting approaches are brought together in a single, coherent text.

Social Psychology and Health, 3e addresses health issues from a social psychology perspective, addressing questions such as:

This book has been replaced by Social Psychology, Third Edition, ISBN 978-1-4625-4398-4.