ABSTRACT
Insecurity is an inevitable part of being human. Although life is insecure for every organism, humans alone are burdened by knowing that this is so. This ground-breaking volume features contributions by leading international researchers exploring the social psychology of insecurity and how existential, metaphysical, and social uncertainty influence human social behaviour.
Chapters in the book investigate the psychological origins of insecurity, evolutionary theorizing about the functions of insecurity, the motivational strategies people adopt to manage insecurity, self-regulation strategies, the role of insecurity in the formation and maintenance of social relationships, and the influence of insecurity and uncertainty on the organization of larger social systems and public affairs. The chapters also discuss how insecurity influences many areas of contemporary social life, highlighting the applied implications of this line of research. Topics covered include the role of insecurity in social communication, social judgments, decision-making, group identification, morality, interpersonal behaviour, relationships, attitudes, and many applied aspects of social life and politics where understanding the psychology of insecurity is of critical importance.
This accessible and engaging book will be of interest to students, researchers, and practitioners as a textbook or reference book in behavioural and social science fields, as well as to a broad spectrum of intelligent lay audiences seeking to understand one of the most intriguing issues that shapes human social life.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
part I|92 pages
The Nature and Sources of Insecurity
chapter 1|18 pages
Understanding the Psychology of Insecurity
chapter 5|19 pages
Insecurity Can Be Beneficial
part II|92 pages
Managing Individual Insecurity
chapter 10|15 pages
Seeking Moral Meaning in Misfortune
part III|99 pages
The Role of Insecurity in Social Relationships
chapter 11|18 pages
Attachment Security and Coping with Existential Concerns
chapter 12|19 pages
Beyond Dyadic Interdependence
chapter 13|20 pages
Adult Attachment Insecurity During the COVID Pandemic
part iv|104 pages
The role of Insecurity and Uncertainty in Politics and Public Life