ABSTRACT
This book explores what social psychology can contribute to our understanding of real-life problems and how it can inform rational interventions in any area of social life. By reviewing some of the most recent achievements in applying social psychology to pressing contemporary problems, Forgas, Crano, and Fiedler convey a fundamentally optimistic message about social psychology’s achievements and prospects.
The book is organized into four sections. Part I focuses on the basic issues and methods of applying social psychology to real-life problems, discussing evolutionary influences on human sociability, the role of psychological ‘mindsets’ in interpreting reality, and the use of attitude change techniques to promote adaptive behaviors. Part II explores the applications of social psychology to improve individual health and well-being, including managing aggression, eating disorders, and improving therapeutic interactions. Part III turns to the application of social psychology to improve interpersonal relations and communication, including attachment processes in social relationships, the role of parent-child interaction in preventing adolescent suicide, and analyzing social relations in legal settings and online social networks. Finally, Part IV addresses the question of how social psychology may improve our understanding of public affairs and political behavior.
The book will be of interest to students and academics in social psychology, and professionals working in applied settings.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|83 pages
Basic Issues and Methods
chapter 5|22 pages
A Process Approach to Influencing Attitudes and Changing Behavior
part II|80 pages
Promoting Individual Health and Well-Being
chapter 6|17 pages
Call of Duty – the Tobacco Wars
chapter 7|18 pages
The Development of Aggressive Behavior in Childhood and Adolescence
chapter 8|19 pages
Grounding Desire
part III|79 pages
Improving Interpersonal Relations and Communication
chapter 10|20 pages
Applications of Attachment Theory and Research
chapter 12|19 pages
When justice is not blind
part IV|91 pages
Public Affairs and Political Behavior