ABSTRACT
Social psychology is, fundamentally, an applied discipline. Social psychologists are interested in phenomena playing out in the real world, and often seek answers to the most pressing questions and problems society presents. This chapter focuses on some strands of research within the field which are each clearly linked to real-world problems. It looks at the biological and psychosocial predictors of aggression. The chapter examines the related question of why people choose to help in emergency situations. It provides the role that social psychology plays in broader public policy grounds – looking at the way people understand jury decision-making, and the potential role of social connections in improving physical and mental health. One way in which social psychology has been applied the domain of health is through the 'social cure' approach. An application of the social cure approach which has received considerable attention is in the arena of addiction recovery.
