18
Mar 24

Social Dynamics with Communication Technologies

Social Dynamics with Communication Technologies

Alessandra DeVito

 

Technology today is a huge part of how people connect, communicate and interact with each other.  From having telephones, all the way to having social media, technology has grown tremendously.  This is for communicating and it has impacted our society social norms and behaviors in the world today.  And as technology becomes more advanced each day, it'[s important to understand the effects technology has on society.  This can be seen through sociological theories.

 

Social constructionism is through different interactions, symbols, and meanings.  The theory shows a lot of insights on how communications technologies shape people’s perceptions of reality.  This also allows for an influence of social norms.  For example, instagram lets people connect and communicate with others.  This allows people to find more friends, and relationships.

 

Technology also influences social behaviors by the evolution of telephones.  This is because from starting with wired phones, to now wireless, it allows for better communication.  People are able to call or text one another at any place or time.  In Evring Goffman’s theory of dramaturgy, it shows how people base their social media on how they want to be perceived.

 

Some of the downsides of communications technologies is the ethical aspect.  This is because of the technological determinism.  It shows that technology changes social  norms.  So as technology communication grows, we need to see the impacts it has on society and social dynamics.

 

Overall, I think these approaches show opportunities and challenges from the communications technologies.  Using social constructionism and dramaturgy, it creates a better understanding on how technology shapes our behavior.  This will also let people learn how much technology is able to transform communications as it continues to get more advanced.

 

Reference:

Goffman, E. (1959). The Presentation of Self in Everyday Life. Anchor Books.


18
Mar 24

Digital Devices and Our Brain

Our world is changing fast because of smartphones, tablets, and the internet. This change affects our brains and how we act, especially as we use these digital tools a lot. Research by Martin Korte shows that using touchscreens can actually change parts of our brain. This means our brains adapt to what we do regularly, like swiping on a phone or tablet (Korte, 2020).

Kids are especially sensitive to these changes. Studies suggest that too much screen time can affect a child’s ability to learn languages and pay attention. It might even change the brain in ways that could make learning harder. This is important because it could affect how well kids do in school and how they get along with others.

But it’s not all bad news. For older people, using digital devices in specific ways can help keep their minds sharp. Certain digital training programs have been shown to improve cognitive functions like attention and memory in the elderly.

In the end, Korte’s research tells us we need to be careful with how much time we spend with our gadgets. It’s about finding a balance that helps us use technology in a way that’s good for our brains, whether we’re young or old. As we continue to learn more about how digital media affects us, we can make better choices about how we use it.

References:

Korte, M. (2020). The impact of the digital revolution on human brain and behavior: where do we stand? Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 22(2), 101–111. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2020.22.2/mkorte


18
Mar 24

Navigating Email Miscommunication in the Modern Workplace

In today’s fast-paced digital landscape, email has become the primary mode of communication in the workplace. From quick updates to lengthy project discussions, email facilitates seamless interaction among colleagues, clients, and partners. However, despite its convenience, email communication is not without its challenges. Miscommunication via email can have profound implications for businesses, affecting everything from productivity to professional relationships.

The Impact of Email Miscommunication on Businesses

Email miscommunication can manifest in various ways, posing significant challenges for businesses:

  1. Misunderstandings and Delays: Different interpretations of tone, ambiguous language, or lack of clarity can lead to misunderstandings. This can result in delays in decision-making or project execution as individuals seek clarification, hindering progress and productivity.
  2. Strained Relationships: When email exchanges with external partners or clients are marred by miscommunication, it can strain relationships and erode trust. Misinterpreted messages may lead to frustration, conflict, or even the loss of business opportunities.
  3. Decreased Productivity: Resolving email miscommunication consumes valuable time and resources. Instead of focusing on core tasks, employees may find themselves embroiled in lengthy email threads attempting to clarify intentions or rectify misunderstandings, ultimately impacting overall productivity.

The Role of the Fundamental Attribution Error

The fundamental attribution error, a cognitive bias where individuals attribute behavior to internal characteristics rather than external circumstances, plays a significant role in email communication:

  • Assuming Negative Intentions: Recipients may erroneously attribute negative intentions to a sender based on the tone or brevity of an email. For example, a hastily composed email lacking detail may be perceived as dismissive or uncaring, when in reality, the sender was pressed for time.
  • Judging Competence: Spelling errors or punctuation mistakes in emails can lead to perceptions of incompetence. Rather than considering external factors such as time constraints or distractions, recipients may attribute errors to the sender’s lack of skills or attention to detail.

Personal Experience: A Case of Text Miscommunication

Consider the following scenario: A busy professional, immersed in work-related tasks, responds to a casual text with a brief “Ok” instead of the usual “okay.” Unbeknownst to them, the recipient interprets this as a sign of anger or frustration, leading to unnecessary tension in their personal relationship.

Strategies to Mitigate Email Miscommunication

To navigate email miscommunication effectively, businesses can implement the following strategies:

  1. Promote Clarity and Precision: Encourage employees to use clear, concise language and provide context when necessary to minimize ambiguity in emails.
  2. Encourage Open Dialogue: Foster a culture of open communication where employees feel comfortable seeking clarification or expressing concerns about misunderstood emails.
  3. Mindful Communication: Remind employees to consider the tone and implications of their emails, particularly when conveying sensitive information or directives.
  4. Utilize Alternative Communication Channels: In situations where nuances may be lost in email communication, encourage the use of alternative channels such as video calls or face-to-face meetings.

Conclusion

Email miscommunication poses significant challenges for businesses in today’s digital workplace. By understanding the impact of miscommunication, recognizing the role of cognitive biases like the fundamental attribution error, and implementing strategies to promote effective communication, businesses can mitigate the risks associated with email communication and foster a more productive and harmonious work environment.

In an era dominated by digital communication, mastering the art of effective email communication is essential for success in the modern workplace. By prioritizing clarity, empathy, and open dialogue, businesses can navigate the pitfalls of email miscommunication and cultivate stronger professional relationships.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology : Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.


18
Mar 24

Social Media and Mental Health

Social media has been on the rise for decades as a way for people to connect to one another. In more recent years it has become a platform for people to share their lives with the entire world. Careers have been made out of this type of sharing and has created a new branch of influencers. Almost all generations can admit they keep up with social media and influencers in some capacity. Although this was formed as a way of connecting to benefit people it has been the cause of many mental health problems across younger generations.

Instagram’s recent restriction on likes may be a small step in the right direction, but it is not a complete solution to mental health issues. Social media has a reinforcing nature, activating the brain’s reward center by releasing dopamine, a “feel-good chemical” linked to pleasurable activities. The platform is designed to be addictive and is associated with anxiety, depression, and physical ailments. According to the Pew Research Center, 69% of adults and 81% of teens in the U.S. use social media, putting a large population at an increased risk of feeling anxious, depressed, or ill over their use. The unpredictable outcome of social media platforms keeps users engaged, as they post content with the hope of receiving positive feedback. Comparisons and FOMO (fear of missing out) also play a role in this behavior. A 2018 British study linked social media use to decreased, disrupted, and delayed sleep, which is associated with depression, memory loss, and poor academic performance (Sperling,2024)

Social media platforms have a significant impact on mental health, particularly for females, who often express aggression physically and are prone to excluding others and sharing hurtful comments. Social media also puts a distorted lens on appearances and reality, with unrealistic, filtered photos available on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. This can make it difficult for teens to distinguish between reality and reality, especially during middle school and puberty when their brains are not fully developed and relationships become more important. Adults are also vulnerable to this, with plastic surgeons seeing an increase in requests for filtered photos. It is crucial to be mindful of the potential harm caused by social media use and its impact on mental health. If adults can also suffer from this and have the ability to have fully developed thoughts it can be even more detrimental to children who do not have the ability to think a certain way yet.

Parents can limit device usage and teach kids healthy media use and sleep hygiene. They can ask teens to turn in their phones at night, monitor their online activity, and remember that their content is a permanent fingerprint. Some families can modify their social media usage to encourage sharing without focusing on appearance. This is important especially with younger children because the more comparison they have to people on social media the more likely they can suffer from self-esteem issues which leads to body image problems and could end up in eating disorders.

Sperling, J. (2024, February 14). The Social Dilemma: Social Media and Your Mental Health. Www.mcleanhospital.org; McLean Hospital. https://www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/it-or-not-social-medias-affecting-your-mental-health


16
Mar 24

Social Change: Increases in Mental Health Needs Among College Students

Beginning well before the pandemic, college students have been facing increased mental health issues. This has resulted in significant change in the needs of college students and a restructuring of priorities and resources necessary to help students thrive.

Students struggle with a variety of mental health issues like depression, anxiety, addiction, eating disorders, and PTSD. In addition to pre-existing mental health struggles that can worsen, students are often commonly affected by social issues such as: academic pressure, discrimination, loneliness, financial issues, insomnia, food insecurity, and social pressures. According to the Cambridge Handbook of Social Problems, “Mental illness is not only in itself considered a major social problem, it also often results from the diverse social problems individuals have to face” (Busfield, 2018).

One of the growing needs on campuses is for both mental health awareness and resources. The effect on students and their performance is significant. “Mental health problems can affect a student’s energy level, concentration, dependability, mental ability, and optimism, hindering performance. Research suggests that depression is associated with lower grade point averages, and that co-occurring depression and anxiety can increase this association” (Suicide Prevention Resource Center). Stigma needs to change in terms of how students are perceived and treated. For this to happen, students, faculty, and administration need the resources to build awareness and affect change.

One of the growing resources for college students is the area of on-campus mental health and disability services. Unfortunately, the need often far outweighs the speed at which resources can be developed and offered. One of the resources students can use is disability accommodations, which take into account the impact of mental health on academic performance. Students are then able to counteract some of the negative outcomes usually resulting from mental health struggles such as inability to concentrate and fluctuating dependability. The downfall of this resource is that it requires a medical professional’s diagnosis and significant written, supporting documentation. Therefore, for any student who doesn’t see a professional due to stigma, confusion about how or where to get help, inability to pay for professional help, etc. won’t be able to use this resource as students who don’t face these additional barriers can. This points to a clear problem that needs to be addressed.

Another change that is slowly taking place that is more inclusive than providing academic accommodations is in the area of course structure and assessment strategies. There is a growing trend toward more equitable grading practices in education. This type of grading allows for differences in student performance that aren’t associated with mastery. According to an article in Ed. Magazine by the Harvard Graduate School of Education,“in traditional grading, many commonly used grading categories invite biases. For example, when we include a student’s behavior in a grade, we’re imposing on all of our students a narrow idea of what a “successful” student is”

“In more equitable grading, grades must accurately reflect only a student’s academic level of performance, exclude nonacademic criteria (such as behavior), and use mathematically sound calculations and scales…Grading practices must counteract institutional biases that have historically rewarded students with privilege and punished those without, and also must protect student grades from our own implicit biases.” (Hough, 2019).

 

Resources:

Busfield, J. (2018). Mental Illness and Social Problems. In A. J. Treviño (Ed.), The Cambridge Handbook of Social Problems (pp.23-42). Cambridge University Press.

“Consequenses of Student Mental Health Issues”. Suicide Prevention Resource Center. https://sprc.org/settings/colleges-and-universities/consequences-of-student-mental-health-issues

Hough, Lory. May 18, 2019. Grade Expectations: “Why we need to rethink grading in our schools”. Ed. Magazine. Harvard Graduate School of Education.


16
Mar 24

Fostering Positive Relationships in Education: Overcoming Social Biases

In the realm of education, fostering positive relationships between students and educators is paramount for creating conducive learning environments. However, social biases such as the fundamental attribution error and social categorization can inadvertently strain these relationships. Gruman, Schneider, and Coutts (2016) delve into these biases, shedding light on their implications and potential remedies.

One concept discussed by Gruman et al. (2016) is the fundamental attribution error, which involves attributing others’ behavior to internal characteristics rather than considering external situational factors. For instance, if a student arrives late to class, the educator may hastily assume laziness or lack of commitment, overlooking potential external factors like transportation issues or family responsibilities. To counteract this bias, educators can take proactive measures to understand students’ situations, show empathy, and provide appropriate support, thus fostering a more understanding and supportive learning environment (Pg. 438).

Moreover, social categorization exacerbates intergroup biases, leading to an “us versus them” mentality between students and educators. Gruman et al. (2016) elucidate how “social categorization prompts individuals to form in-groups and out-groups based on social characteristics” (Pg. 444). This can manifest in adversarial relationships between students and teachers, hindering collaborative learning experiences. To mitigate these biases, both students and educators must actively seek common ground and promote mutual understanding. Through cooperative learning approaches and emphasizing open communication, the barriers between in-groups and out-groups can be dismantled, paving the way for productive collaboration and positive relationships (Pg.445).

Furthermore, the overjustification effect poses another challenge in education, particularly regarding students’ intrinsic motivation. Gruman et al. (2016) discuss how external rewards or punishments can undermine individuals’ intrinsic interest in an activity. In an educational context, “mandated learning requirements may diminish students’ enjoyment and engagement with the subject matter” (Pg. 450). To address this, educators can strive to create a learning environment that nurtures students’ intrinsic motivation. Educators can reignite students’ passion for learning and enhance their educational experiences by incorporating interactive and engaging teaching methods, providing autonomy in learning, and connecting course material to real-world applications (Pg. 451).

Ultimately, fostering positive relationships in education entails creating a culture of empathy, mutual respect, and collaboration. By addressing social biases, promoting open communication, and nurturing intrinsic motivation, educational environments can become transformative spaces where every individual feels valued and empowered to succeed.

Reference:

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.


16
Mar 24

The Freshman Similar-To-Me Experiment

According to this week’s material, the similar-to-me effect essentially says that people like other people who seem similar to them. One finding that has come up, “over and over again is that people with similar personalities tend to get along because they think, feel, and act very similarly. People with similar Myers-Briggs typology indicator (MBTI) scores tend to get along very well” (Lurtz, 1999).

I have had an interesting experience related to this, which took place my freshmen year of college at my previous university. This was in regards to grouping students for placement in dorm suites where groups of students lived together. Students had the option of selecting interests or types of people they believed they would be the best fit for them. This option, given by the university, is an instance of utilizing the similar-to-me effect.

My experience was with athletes who all selected to be with other athletes. Each of these students participated in one of the following: soccer, swimming, baseball, cross country, eSports so there was a common interested between all of us in terms of our interest in our respective sports. The diversity of the sports created an environment that was interesting since we each had numerous things in common but also could appreciate the differences. There were team-specific suites as well, and the entire floor was co-ed.

Students on this floor had similar challenges that also helped everyone get along and build a supportive community. Time management was something everyone had extensive experience with in one way or another. Dealing with mental and physical fatigue while still getting used to the college atmosphere and focusing on both academics and athletics with others having the same experiences and challenges helped build a strong bond between the student athletes. The success of this plan by the university is predominantly due their intentional or unintentional understanding and implementation of the similar-to-me effect.

 

References:

Lurtz, P.K. (1999). Partner similarity and relationship satisfaction among couples. Dissertation Abstracts International, 60, 4-A.


16
Mar 24

Pros and Cons of Online Support Groups

Online support groups got their start back in the 1990’s. First commonly called forums or message boards. Today these types of resources are known as: blogs, online communities, online support groups, virtual group therapy, discussion boards, etc. They cover all kinds of mental and physical health issues.

Online support groups are useful in that they connect people with similar situations. They often provide a safe space with varying levels of anonymity that allow people to discuss and get advice without fear of judgement. They allow for sharing of mental health topics that in turn can help increase a person’s well-being.

In terms of negative, it is possible for online support resources to have a negative impact when they don’t function as intended. This is always possible due to the nature of this resource.

Some of these risks as stated by the Mayo Clinic (2023):

  • Communication only by written text can lead to misunderstanding or confusion by group members.
  • Anonymity may lead to inappropriate and disrespectful comments or behaviors.
  • Participation online may result in isolation from other friends or family.
  • Online communities may be particularly susceptible to misinformation or information overload.
  • People may use the online environment to prey on people, promote a product, or commit fraud. (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

One thing people need to keep in mind when looking for or participating in online support groups is that some may not have good intentions. Some key things to look out for are: the group charges significant fees or other charges in order to attend or participate, the group pressures you to buy goods or services, or the group guarantees positive outcomes. It’s important not only to be aware of this when choosing a group but also after becoming familiar with and participating in this type of online support.

There are a number of places one can find information on becoming part of groups that may benefit them. These include family practitioners and other medical professional, clinics, hospitals, and non-profit organizations that focus on advocacy. Another good resource can be friends and family or other community members. These are all things to keep in mind when considering a support group that you want to invest time in and connect with.

 

References:

Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. (2023, March 16). How to choose the Right Support Group. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/support-groups/art-20044655


16
Mar 24

Social Media: The Ambivalent Effect on Retraumatization

The word trauma has been quite the buzzword on social media in recent years. From describing how embarrassed someone felt when they tripped in front of a potential partner or maybe finding out a favorite TV show was leaving a streaming network. We’ve all probably seen it somewhere, at some point, describing things that made us feel temporarily upset. But what does trauma really mean? And how can social media play a role in retraumatizing someone? My answer is both scientific and a personal one.

Trauma, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association (2018), is as follows:
Any disturbing experience that results in significant fear, helplessness, dissociation, confusion, or other disruptive feelings intense enough to have a long-lasting negative effect on a person’s attitudes, behavior, and other aspects of functioning. Traumatic events include those caused by human behavior (e.g., rape, war, industrial accidents) as well as by nature (e.g., earthquakes) and often challenge an individual’s view of the world as a just, safe, and predictable place. (American Psychological Association, 2022)

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (2017), retraumatization is when you have similar stress reactions to a former traumatic experience when encountering a related or new event. With formalities and technical terms clarified, I’d like to move on to the more personal aspect of trauma. I first want to acknowledge that trauma is subjective to each individual and no one else’s experience can be compared to our own, nor should it be. With that said, I’d like to caution anyone with an aversion to death or the death of animals/pets that the following content will contain those subjects.

It was November of 2021; I was in the beginning of my sophomore year here at Penn State. I had my “3 boys” as I called them. A 15-year-old black cat, Wolfie, and two 9-year-old dogs, Tucker and Kratos. Tucker is a Shepherd/Chow mix and Kratos was a Husky/Keeshond mix, both rescued from my local SPCA in 2012. Right before finals Kratos began limping on his back leg and was taken to the vet. Without too much concern we were sent home with pain medications and orders to rest. However, he quickly declined and ultimately lost all use of his hind legs over the next few months. It was 18 months from that first incident until I had to make the decision to let him go. Not before trying everything under the sun. Every test you can imagine followed up by quarterly neurologist visits for bloodwork and assessment. Medication and diet changes, secondary medical issues from his treatment and more emergency vet visits. Like any other time, I took him to his neuro appointment on the 13th of May in 2023. All was good but this time his blood sugar was sky high, and we spoke about adding insulin to his medications. He was still a gleaming and happy guy, so I made him an appointment for the next day with his vet. Sadly, the next morning he was showing symptoms of his elevated sugar, wouldn’t eat, and a seroma (buildup of fluid) on his backend had ruptured. He was miserable and not himself, so I made the choice to let him go based on his past medical history and current status. While I knew this time would come, I had not expected it so soon, nor was I prepared to let him go.

To say I was heartbroken would be such a great understatement. During the time Kratos was dealing with his lameness, I had also lost Wolfie at 16 years old, also very suddenly, during the summer of 2022. Now, my “heart dog” was gone suddenly and I was devastated and lost. I had friends who had lost pets reach out, but no one could really understand what it was like losing a dog you literally spent ALL your time caring for. Carrying him, walking him with his harness and prepping food to help counteract the negative side effects of his medications. The many baths from incontinence, supplies bought, and waking up during the night to make sure he didn’t need turned or wasn’t having any trouble breathing. That is…until I found support groups on Facebook. Finally, I had found others who were dealing with the same type of issues, conditions, and stress I was. People from all over the country and world shared their experiences, helpful inventions, and stories which made taking care of Kratos so much easier than had I done it alone with no prior insight. They, too, were spending every free waking minute assisting and caring for their pets. Working full-time, going to school full- time, and caring for him full- time was not just a sympathy expressed by someone, it was also a life they lived and shared with me and my boy.

The beauty of having these support groups and people to help during the initial stages of grieving was beyond what words can describe. Some days all I had was that single thread holding together all my broken pieces. For months, social media helped me process and understand my own grief. It wasn’t until my own journey began to diverge, from the new and raw feelings of emotions into a gentler acceptance of my loss, that the same place I once found support was now the place I felt provoked. This experience is very similar to the cathartic effect, where emotions are said to have the ability to be released though an activity such as anger while playing video games (Gruman et al., 2017). Where I had previously “released” my grief into these groups, I now was reliving the trauma of his loss. With every post or sad story ending in euthanasia, every smiling picture accompanied by a heartfelt goodbye, or watching others suffer through the same illness and slowly decline. I felt like every scroll would lead me back into a place of shear and empty pain. Balance I had strived so hard to achieve, like sleeping and remembering to eat, was thrown back into chaos when posts hit too close to my own feelings. Progress I thought I had made was torn down for me to build back up again. Reliving his last meal, his last breath, and the last snoot kiss I gave him was now the byproduct of a simple scroll on social media.

While social media has given us amazing abilities to stay connected or have information at the click of a button, it also has its darker sides. The trauma of losing such a big, important, and loved piece of my life was eased greatly by having a support group of people who knew this terrible feeling also. The flip side was that there were many, many others who also lost beloved pets. Having unrestricted access to support also means that there are unlimited chances you could end up seeing more of something than you bargained for. Even when you do your best to avoid or adjust the algorithm, you may find that social media can bring back even the most hurtful or painful memories. When it comes to social media, experiencing triggers that can cause us to relive or revert back to a time in our lives that harbored great pain and upheaval can be like we’ve encountered a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

For anyone who may be experiencing a difficult time with any type of trauma or struggling with their mental health, please do not be afraid to reach out.

NAMI HelpLine is available M-F 10 am – 10 pm, ET.

Connect by phone 800-950-6264 or text “Helpline”

to 62640, or chat. In a crisis call or text 988.

Kratos a few months before I lost him.

References

American Psychological Association. (2022). APA Dictionary of Psychology. Dictionary.apa.org. https://dictionary.apa.org/trauma

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2017). Applied social psychology: understanding and addressing social and practical problems. Sage.

SAMHSA. (2017). Tips for Survivors of a Disaster or Other Traumatic Event. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma17-5047.pdf


14
Mar 24

Should Entertainment Media Express Political Views?

At the Academy awards ceremony last Sunday, the host Jimmy Kimmel read and responded to a twit from the former president Trump. Some cheered him on, others expressed dismay that a non-political event such as Oscars is touching upon politics. The political parties in the US today are a good demonstration of group polarization effect – the majority of the people do not hold extreme right or left views, but the republican and democratic parties tend to drift farther and farther from the common ground (Gruman et al., 2016).

I can certainly understand people who are looking for a bit of escape when they are watching a movie or an entertainment show. We do not need constant reminders about someone else’s political agenda. Many top grossing movies of the last few years – “The Super Mario Brothers: Movie”, “Top Gun: Maverick”, and so on are decidedly non-political. Even the enemy in the latest Top Gun movie is left to be ambiguous. This makes those movies enjoyable to watch for almost everyone.

On the other hand, it is unrealistic to expect the actors and media personalities to have no opinion on the current day political issues, or to carefully hide them from the public at all times. The best art, after all, is the one which is relevant to the people today and the current problems. It does not mean that the old art is not relevant. People are still going to see centuries old theater plays and operas (10 of the Best Classical Plays Everyone Should Read, 2017). The anti-war message in the ancient Greek play “Lysistrata” is still relevant today. Wars are still taking the lives of young people today as they were thousands of years ago.

What is most likely frustrating for many people is the circle of agendas – going from media agenda to public, then to political agenda. Nobody likes to be manipulated and frequently it feels like there is a bit of political priming added where it really is not needed for the story. It is happening because it works, as we learned the availability heuristic influences our decisions and the way a story is framed may support completely opposite views from the same facts (Gruman et al., 2016). There are no easy solutions to the question of politics in art. Here I am framing my story that entertainment media is art. Not everyone will agree.

 

References

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968

10 of the Best Classical Plays Everyone Should Read. (2017, March 29). Interesting Literature. https://interestingliterature.com/2017/03/10-of-the-best-classical-plays-everyone-should-read/#

 


13
Mar 24

Impacts of Social Media

      Social media tends to have a stronger impact than most of us realize at times. If there’s difficulty in adults imagine the difficulty children have dealing with the adverse effects of social media.  There are some pros and cons of using social media among children and adolescence which I will cover in this blog post. Highlighting specific diagnoses that may be developed through the use of social media in a harmful way. 

     Some pros of using social media among children and adolescents is being able to engage with each other outside of a school setting (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). This would also involve an opportunity of enhancing individual and collective creativity among each other (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). There are some risks of using social media among children and adolescents which include, online harassment, and cyberbullying (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). “Facebook depression,” has also been introduced by researchers and is defined by depression that develops from being on social media too often (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011). Facebook depression may happen because during adolescence acceptance is very important and social media may play a role in triggering these events (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011).

     To prevent a lot of the cons that come with using social media in a harmful way, families must actively be involved and a part of the process. The authors suggest that pediatricians play an active role in advising families on specific issues kids may face during day-to-day activities  (O’Keeffe & Clarke-Pearson, 2011) . Keeping in mind that everything should not be taken at face value that we see on social media because as stated in our reading this week things may be misinterpreted (Kruger et al., 2005). 

    In conclusion, there are many impacts that social media has on all of us depending on the way that we use it. If we overuse social media and take things that we see on there from others the wrong way from misinterpretation it can really have a damaging effect on our mental health. Social media is one of those things that’s never going to go away so we must learn coping skills to help us and take a break when needed. 

Kruger, J., Epley, N., Parker, J., & Ng, Z. (2005). Egocentrism over e-mail: Can we      communicate as well as we think? Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 89(6), 925-936. doi:10.1037/0022-3514.89.6.925

O’Keeffe, G. S., & Clarke-Pearson, K. (2011). The impact of social media on children, adolescents, and families. Pediatrics, 127(4), 800–804. https://doi.org/10.1542/peds.2011-0054


11
Mar 24

Negative Reactions To Media

Social media platforms have many positive aspects. They can connect people from all over the world. They can keep family and friends involved in our lives from near and far. Businesses can advertise. People can share their talents and teach others. It provides news and education. With all good things there are bad. Social media platforms are not exempt from the bad by any means. Not everyone has access to social media platforms. In this day and age many stream movies and shows. This limits a person from seeing news stations. Media can lead to false news. it can lead to scams. It can lead to depression as too much media can overwhelm a person. Privacy can be violated. The spread of misinformation can go viral.

A recent case that comes to mind is the George Floyd murder. This is a case that most people heard of in one way or another. This case received so much media attention. The incident was captured on video. That video went viral. An officer by the name of Derek Chauvin knelt on George Floyd’s neck for nine minutes and twenty nine seconds ultimately leading to the death of George Floyd. There is a back story to the entire incident that lead to this moment.  Every moment cannot be accounted for. Ultimately, this entire incident should have been avoided. The aftermath of this even was very damaging. Protest happened after and many were very peaceful but also lead to many riots. These riots brought destruction of property, arrest, and physical harm to many. It changed the view on police in a negative manner. The problem with a negative view on police from an incident involving one man is that it is saying that all police would have done the same. This is not the case. A consequence from this could and does have lasting effects.

” Bandura (1986, 2009) argued that much of what you learn is learned vicariously through the media” (Gruman, 2016). Bandura’s social cognitive theory first process of four was attention. People love attention. When given an excuse to get attention they will do what they have to, to get attention. This can be at others expense and not for the right reason even if they justify their behavior as something that is justifiable.

While people have the right to know what is going on there has to be some kind of structure. There should be a fact checker before news stories are broadcast. Without thinking about reactions and consequences it leaves room for potential negative consequences and behaviors. It reminds me of how easy it is to ruin a good thing. Abusing media for ratings, agendas, and politics. Technology has come so far and can be an amazing thing when used properly and for good.

 

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/nbcblk/monumental-impact-george-floyds-death-black-america-rcna1021

https://abcnews.go.com/US/timeline-impact-george-floyds-death-minneapolis/story?id=70999322


08
Mar 24

Lesson 8 Blog

The legal system and social psychology intersect in various ways, especially concerning jury dynamics and decision-making processes. One significant aspect is the impact of jury size on verdicts. Research suggests that smaller juries might be more susceptible to conformity pressures, akin to Asch’s conformity experiment. In Asch’s studies, participants often conformed to the incorrect judgments of others when faced with group consensus. Similarly, smaller juries may feel more pressure to conform to the majority opinion, potentially influencing the verdict outcome. Conversely, larger juries might mitigate conformity effects by providing a broader range of perspectives and reducing the influence of a dominant minority.

Moreover, the Asch conformity experiment sheds light on how individual jurors might alter their perceptions or judgments to align with the group consensus. This phenomenon can significantly affect the deliberation process within juries. In cases where jurors face uncertainty or ambiguity, conformity tendencies may lead them to adopt the majority viewpoint, even if they privately harbor doubts. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for assessing the reliability of jury decisions and ensuring fair trials.

Different types of cases can elicit varying levels of conformity within juries. For instance, highly emotive or morally charged cases might intensify conformity pressures as jurors seek social approval or avoid conflict. In contrast, cases with clear-cut evidence or legal guidelines may reduce conformity effects, as jurors feel more confident in their individual judgments. Furthermore, the complexity of the case can influence jurors’ susceptibility to conformity, with more intricate cases potentially heightening reliance on group consensus.

Overall, the interplay between jury size, Asch conformity dynamics, and the nature of the case underscores the intricate relationship between the legal system and social psychology. By recognizing these influences, legal practitioners can implement strategies to minimize the impact of conformity pressures and enhance the fairness and integrity of jury deliberations. Additionally, ongoing research in social psychology can provide valuable insights into jury behavior, informing legal procedures and policies to promote justice and equity within the legal system.

 

https://www.ojp.gov/ncjrs/virtual-library/abstracts/social-psychology-criminal-justice-system


07
Mar 24

Understanding Communication in a Digital Age

In today’s world, the biggest form of communication is media. The two have become more intertwined than ever. With the rise of social media, email, text messages, and the internet in general, we can connect with anyone across the globe with the touch of a button. This has forever changed the way humans interact, share news/information, and express thoughts and feelings. However, this digital revolution does have its negatives. With a lack of non-verbal cues in online communication, it often leads to misinterpretations and misunderstandings. Without the ability to see facial expressions or hear the tone of voice, messages, emails, and social media posts are often taken out of context. This can often lead to fundamental attribution error.

The fundamental attribution errors is a concept where we tend to overemphasize personal characteristics, and ignore situational factors when interpreting others’ behaviors. In context of media and communication, this means we might judge someone’s character based on a single post, text, email, etc, instead of considering the circumstances that may have led to it (Healy, 2017).

For example, a teacher could send a small, straight to the point email to a student, which could be interpreted as rude or dismissive. Now, the student may have negative feeling towards that teacher. In reality, one reason for this tone could’ve been that the teacher was extremely busy and had little time to write the message, making it quick and simple. This quick to judge mindset can create unnecessary conflict. Understanding the role fundamental attribution error plays in media and communication is important for maintaining healthy relationships, both personal and professional. Keeping concepts like this in mind can help us consider outside factors such personal stressors, differences, or even technological issues that can affect how the message is written or received. By doing so, we can also improve our ability to digitally communicate effectively.

As technology continues to improve, and we continue to navigate it, it’s important to remember the human factor behind every message. Whether its a tweet, text, or email, taking a second to recognize the bigger picture can make a big difference our media-obsessed society. Overall, we need to remember that behind every screen is a person, just like us, simply trying to get their message across.

Sources:

Shatz , I. (n.d.). The Fundamental Attribution Error: When People Underestimate Situational Factors. Effectiviology. https://effectiviology.com/fundamental-attribution-error/

Healy , P. (2017, June 8). Fundamental attribution error: What it is & how to avoid it. Business Insights Blog. https://online.hbs.edu/blog/post/the-fundamental-attribution-error


05
Mar 24

The Impact of Media Violence on Aggressive Behavior

. Growing up, many of us were cautioned against watching violent television shows or movies, with the belief that exposure to such media could lead to aggressive behavior. However, the relationship between media violence and real-life aggression is complex and has been a subject of extensive research. A longitudinal survey found that contrary to popular belief, individuals predisposed to violence were not more likely to consume violent media than nonviolent individuals (Huesmann et al., 2003). This challenges the notion that only violent people are drawn to violent TV programs.

There’s a common belief in the cathartic effect of violent media, suggesting that it might serve as a means to relieve stress and aggressive impulses. However, research overwhelmingly contradicts this idea. According to Bushman, Huesmann, and Whitaker, hundreds of studies, including experiments and longitudinal analyses, consistently demonstrate that exposure to TV violence increases aggressive behavior (Pg. 159).

The research extends beyond traditional television and movies. Video games, often criticized for their violent content, have also been studied extensively. While some argue that video games do not influence aggressive behavior, studies suggest otherwise. Oswald, Prorock, and Murphy’s qualitative analysis of video game players’ experiences highlighted the social and goal-oriented aspects of gaming, suggesting that the focus solely on game content may overlook crucial factors (Pg. 161).

Studies have also shed light on the impact of TV violence. For instance, Centerwall’s (1989) analysis of homicide rates following the introduction of television in different countries revealed a significant correlation between TV introduction and increased homicide rates. Similarly, studies found associations between TV introduction and increases in nonviolent theft and physical aggression (Pg. 159), respectively.

The debate surrounding media violence and its effects on aggression is multifaceted. While research consistently demonstrates a link between exposure to media violence and increased aggression, the issue is complex and influenced by various factors. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for informed discussions and interventions aimed at mitigating the potential harmful effects of media violence.

 

References:

Bushman, B. J., Huesmann, L. R., & Whitaker, J. L. (2009). Media violence and the American public revisited. American Psychologist, 64(4), 303–307.

Centerwall, B. S. (1989). Exposure to television as a risk factor for violence. American Journal of Epidemiology, 129(4), 643–652.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., and Coutts, L. M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.

Hennigan, K. M., Tosi, H. L., & Goodman, P. S. (1982). The introduction of television and its influence on crime in the United States. American Journal of Sociology, 87(4), 862–891.

Huesmann, L. R., Moise-Titus, J., Podolski, C. L., & Eron, L. D. (2003). Longitudinal relations between children’s exposure to TV violence and their aggressive and violent behavior in young adulthood: 1977–1992. Developmental Psychology, 39(2), 201–221.


04
Mar 24

Witness Identification Gone Wrong!

When a person witnesses a crime, they could be in fear, shock, and stress. All the emotions heightened. The person cannot mentally record what they are seeing. So many factors can come into play. Eye site, distance, obstruction, and more. A person’s perception to age, height, and weight.  Human memory can be wrong. Two people can view the same thing and the perception for each person can be different. There is also the factor of one person noticing something the other may not have noticed. Even the best eyewitness can and most likely does make errors.

Other factors that can come into play are when the witness noticed the crime. A witness could have missed parts of the crime. Perhaps they even missed another assailant that left prior to them witnessing the crime. Most people want to help. They want to help get the person that committed the crime. The want to help can sometimes lead to identifying someone simply because they resemble the assailant. Eyewitnesses are very important for the investigation process and the court hearing. These factors need to be taken into consideration. While witness testimony should be taken into account it cannot be the only factor in a criminal case.

“In 2016, the Innocence Project, an organization working toward freeing the wrongfully convicted, reported that mistaken eyewitness identification was a contributing cause of 72% of the 325 criminal cases in which a convicted person was subsequently exonerated through DNA testing (Innocence Project, 2016). Lydell Grant was charged and convicted of the murder of Aaron Scheerhoorn in 2012. Six eyewitnesses identified Lydell to be the killer. He was sentenced to life in prison. DNA evidence was later brought into evidence. DNA was found under the nails of Aaron Scheerhoorn. This DNA identified Jermarico Carter who confessed to the murder. Lydell Grant had served 8 years for a murder he did not commit. This case had not one not two but six witnesses that were incorrect. It shows that witness identification can go wrong!

There has to be system put in place to ensure that this does not continue to happen in the future. No one can say just how many people are currently in jail under these same circumstances. Revamping the system has to be considered.

 

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968

Innocence Project

Lydell Grant – Learn Their Story | Innocence Texas


04
Mar 24

Does the justice system skew the reliability of eyewitness testimony?

Confident eyewitness testimony is typically seen as an unreliable form of evidence, especially considering issues such as mis incarcerations. In a recent study, Brewin et al. (2019) discovered that eighty-two percent of college undergraduates agreed that “an eyewitness’s confidence is never a good predictor of his or her identification accuracy.”

However, as Spearing and Wade write: “recent studies suggest that highly confident eyewitnesses are likely to provide highly accurate identification evidence, at least in some conditions” (Spearing, Wade 2021). One of these conditions is when testimony is untainted. The basic idea is that testing memory for its evidentiary content changes memory, and so taints or contaminates it. It is untainted eyewitness testimony that should be tested for its evidentiary content, not tainted evidence. This in many ways fits our common sense understanding about evidence (such as DNA evidence for instance). As such, the question arises: is the court system flawed partially because it relies too heavily on confident eyewitness testimony, or does confident eyewitness testimony produce flawed results because of its use in an already flawed court system? One study has concluded that, under good circumstances, eyewitness information turns out to be veridical over 90% of the time (Wixted et al., 2015).

The lecture notes identify some problems with the court system already when it comes to measuring how accurate eyewitness testimony is on the whole. For example, the notes speak of a “misinformation effect,” whereby the reliability of eyewitness testimony is reduced due to the witness being showed “leading information.” The textbook also notes that closed and leading questions reduce the accuracy of eyewitness reports (p. 301).

In short, eyewitness testimony is one of the most common forms of evidence used in court, and many think it is unreliable due to, for example, mis-incarcerations. Recent psychological research however indicates that eyewitness testimony, when confidently presented, is typically accurate when it is not tainted by something else. This shows that eyewitness testimony used in a flawed court system often reduces the reliability of that eyewitness testimony, rather than eyewitness testimony reducing the efficacy or reliability of the justice system (Wixted J.T., Mickes L. 2022). People have the issue flipped in my opinion. Further, recent research also shows that there are contexts where eyewitness testimony is good evidence, such as untainted confident eyewitness testimony.

This is all not to deny the pitfalls of eyewitness testimony, especially in highly stressful and quick circumstances, which can lead to unfortunate events like mis-incarcerations. But when we narrow the scope and weigh eyewitness testimony case by case, I think we see good grounds for thinking that there are contexts when eyewitness reliability can be trusted, all things being equal.

Sources:

Wixted, J. T., Mickes, L., Clark, S. E., Gronlund, S. D., & Roediger, H. L. III. (2015). Initial eyewitness confidence reliably predicts eyewitness identification accuracy. American Psychologist, 70(6), 515–526.

Spearing, E., Wade, K. (2021). Providing eyewitness confidence judgements during versus after eyewitness interviews does not affect the confidence-accuracy relationship. Journal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition.

Brewin, C. R., Li, H., Ntarantana, V., Unsworth, C., & McNeilis, J. (2019). Is the public understanding of memory prone to widespread “myths”? Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 148(12).

Wixted J.T., Mickes L. (2022). Eyewitness memory is reliable, but the criminal justice system is not. Memory 30(1)


04
Mar 24

Understanding the Social Psychology of Crime: Insights from Real-Life Cases

The tragic stories of Matti Baranovski and Yusuf Hizel shed light on the complex interplay of social psychological factors that can contribute to criminal behavior. In both instances, bystanders failed to intervene despite witnessing the victims in distress, highlighting the bystander effect and diffusion of responsibility. This phenomenon, extensively studied by Darley and Latané (Pg. 289), illustrates how the presence of others can diminish an individual’s sense of personal responsibility to help, leading to inaction even in emergency situations.

The assailants in Matti’s case exemplify the impact of situational factors on aggression. The use of masks provided anonymity, triggering deindividuation and reducing inhibitions against violent behavior, as demonstrated by Zimbardo’s lab experiment (Pg.290). Additionally, the presence of a group heightened arousal through social facilitation, reinforcing norms of aggression within their peer group. These dynamics align with social psychology theories such as deindividuation and social facilitation, which elucidate how group contexts can amplify aggressive tendencies.

Furthermore, the frustration-aggression hypothesis proposed by Berkowitz (Pg. 290) offers insights into the role of frustration in triggering aggressive behavior. The alleged thwarted confrontation preceding Matti’s attack may have heightened the assailants’ frustration, leading to a violent outburst directed towards a new set of victims. This hypothesis underscores the influence of situational cues in inciting aggressive responses, as demonstrated by Berkowitz and LePage’s 1967 study on the effect of weapons on aggression.

While proximal factors like deindividuation and frustration shed light on the immediate triggers of criminal behavior, it’s essential to consider distal variables as well. These factors, occurring in the distant past relative to the event, encompass individual differences and background factors that shape one’s propensity for crime. The cases of Matti Baranovski and Yusuf Hizel underscore the importance of considering social psychological factors in understanding criminal behavior. By examining the interplay of situational influences, individual differences, and background factors, we can gain insights into the complex dynamics that contribute to crime.

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of criminal behavior is crucial for developing effective prevention and intervention strategies.

 

References

Berkowitz, L. (1989). Frustration-aggression hypothesis: Examination and reformulation. Psycho­logical

Berkowitz, L., & LePage, A. (1967). Weapons as aggression-eliciting stimuli. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 7, 202– 207.

Darley, J. M., & Latané, B. (1968). Bystander intervention in emergencies: Diffusion of responsibility. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 8(4), 377–383.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology :
Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.

Zimbardo, P. G. (1969). The human choice: Individuation, reason, and order versus deindividuation, impulse, and chaos. In W. J. Arnold & D. Levine (Eds.), Nebraska symposium on motivation (Vol. 17, pp. 237– 307). Lincoln: University

04
Mar 24

Real life Guess Who: Using Memory and Forensic Sketches

<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Guess_who_game_logo.png">here</a>, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

here, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commonshere, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

 

 

Some of us may have fond memories of rustling through all the board games in the closet or tucked away on our bookshelves. Maybe your favorite was Candy Land or Scrabble, or maybe I am just showing my own age by mentioning any type of game that doesn’t come attached to a digital device. Regardless, many say that childhood is a time of playing and learning. But one game in particular may actually relate to something that could turn those fun and games, as a child, into false identification or worse, false imprisonment of someone who may be innocent, as an adult.

The game Guess Who (Hasbro, 2022) involves 24 different characters that are set up on two separate hinged picture boards. Each player chooses a random card with their character on it. This character then has to be “guessed” by the opponent by asking a series of questions about the other players character, until ultimately, someone “guesses who” and is the winner. Players may ask things like “is your person a female?” or “do they have blonde hair?”. While it is a fun game of reasoning and some luck, it only has a set number of possibilities. Now imagine you are walking along and suddenly hear the sound of someone in distress. You look around and notice a scuffle between two people has ensued but aren’t sure what is going on. As you look you suddenly hear the sound of a gunshot ringing out and see someone fleeing. Could you accurately describe the person you saw to the police? How about after a few days had gone by?

A study by Ouyang and colleagues (2016) states that studies have shown that accuracy in memory declines very rapidly within only an hour of witnessing someone’s facial features. This trend continues upwards of 24 hours after an event. This can pose a pretty large issue in getting an accurate sketch produced since many times sketch artists do not meet witnesses until a day or more after the event. Now we may all tell ourselves that we not only could remember someone in enough detail to get an accurate depiction, but we may also even be pretty certain about that statement. We know they were a man/woman, or we are sure their eyes were brown, and they definitely had a beard or a ponytail. But do these attributes actually help a sketch artist? Can we truly recall how wide their eyes or cheekbones were or maybe how their nose was shaped? An article by Kenneth Lang (2022), a former forensic sketch artist, found that having confidence in what you saw does not mean that what you will describe is actually accurate. When you are playing a simple board game with familiar characters it may be easy to recall these details, but seeing a stranger tends to be much more difficult to accurately recall unless they have a very distinctive feature.

While most of us would probably want to be as helpful as possible when it comes to being witness to a crime, we may fall much shorter than our expectations. Perhaps increased confidence leading to less accurate depictions also has the same effect when it is reversed. What was called a poor and almost cartoon-like sketch drawn by a witness in Lancaster, Pa actually did lead to an arrest (Horton, 2018). If you haven’t heard about it, check out the sketch and suspect here on The Washington Post. This may not be an ideal way to catch a criminal, but who are we to judge what works?

Maybe playing Guess Who (Hasbro, 2022) won’t help us be the best witness to a forensic sketch artist. I mean, it isn’t our fault we don’t have the best memory when it comes to recalling faces in detail. But perhaps next time, we can have less confidence in our abilities and try to focus on the features that will help someone stick out. After all, we wouldn’t want to describe someone incorrectly and possibly be part of the reason they are falsely accused or even charged with a crime they did not commit. Even if, like the Washington Post article, there is still hope for those of us with less than stellar artistic skills.

 

 

References

Hasbro. (2022). Hasbro.com. https://shop.hasbro.com/en-us/product/guess-who-classic-game/7DEC61D9-5056-9047-F55F-FC686C17D23F

Horton, A. (2018, February 8). A witness drew this terrible sketch to help police identify a suspect. It actually worked. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/true-crime/wp/2018/02/08/a-witness-drew-this-terrible-sketch-to-help-police-identify-a-suspect-it-actually-worked/

Lang, K. R. (2022). Police Sketches: An Analysis of Witness Confidence, Accuracy, and Conviction        Ratings. Journal of Forensic Identification, 72(4), 462-485.             https://ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/scholarly-journals/police- sketches-analysis-witness-confidence/docview/2736849526/se-2

Ouyang, S., Hospedales, T. M., Song, Y.-Z., & Li, X. (2016). ForgetMeNot: Memory-Aware Forensic Facial Sketch Matching. Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition. https://doi.org/10.1109/cvpr.2016.601


04
Mar 24

US unjust System

The US criminal justice system is often touted as the best in the world, but is it really? For many people, especially those who are poor, marginalized, or oppressed, the system is anything but just. They face discrimination, violence, and abuse at every stage of the process, from arrest to trial to incarceration.  Often people are denied access to adequate legal representation, education, health care, and rehabilitation (Hinton et al., 2018). They are subjected to harsh and disproportionate punishments, such as mandatory minimum sentences, solitary confinement, and the death penalty (Travis & Western, 2021).

The US criminal justice system is not only unjust but also ineffective and unsustainable. It costs taxpayers billions of dollars every year while failing to reduce crime or recidivism rates (Hayes, 2020).  It undermines the rule of law and the legitimacy of democracy and violates human rights and dignity. It is time for a radical reform of the US criminal justice system, one that prioritizes prevention, diversion, restorative justice, and reintegration over punishment, retribution, and exclusion (Hayes, 2020).  According to the Prison Policy Initiative, the US has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with more than 2 million people behind bars (Prison Policy Initiative, 2023).  A report by the American Civil Liberties Union found that 80% of people in jail are too poor to afford a lawyer and that public defenders are often overworked and underfunded (ACLU, 2022). The Sentencing Project reported that one in nine people in prison is serving a life sentence and that the US is the only country in the world that sentences children to life without parole (Rovner, 2023). They are trapped in a cycle of poverty and crime, with little hope of escaping or improving their lives. The Bureau of Justice Statistics estimated that 68% of people released from prison are rearrested within three years (Alper et al., 2018).

Some of the possible ways to achieve this reform are by working to end mass incarceration by reducing prison populations and abolishing mandatory minimums and other harsh sentencing laws. Ending racial disparities by eliminating racial profiling, bias, and discrimination in policing and prosecution.  Ending the death penalty by abolishing capital punishment and commuting existing death sentences to life imprisonment.  Ending solitary confinement by banning the use of isolation and sensory deprivation as a form of punishment or control.  Ending juvenile life without parole by prohibiting the sentencing of children to die in prison and providing them with opportunities for rehabilitation and release (Equal Justice Initiative, 2019).

On the other side of the coin, we must also grow, so, expanding access to legal representation by ensuring that every person has a right to a competent and zealous lawyer who can advocate for their interests and rights—expanding access to education by providing quality and affordable education to people in prison and after release. Expanding access to health care by providing comprehensive and humane health care to people in prison and after release. Expanding access to rehabilitation by providing evidence-based programs and services that address the root causes of crime and help people reintegrate into society (Equal Justice Initiative, 2019).  Lastly, expanding restorative justice by promoting alternatives to incarceration that focus on repairing the harm caused by crime and restoring relationships between offenders, victims, and communities. These are some of the steps that can be taken to transform the US criminal justice system from a system of oppression and exclusion to a system of justice and inclusion.

References

ACLU. (2022, June 15). Captive Labor: Exploitation of Incarcerated Workers | News & Commentary. American Civil Liberties Union. https://www.aclu.org/news/human-rights/captive-labor-exploitation-of-incarcerated-workers

Alper, M., Durose, M., & Markman, J. (2018). Special Report 2018 Update on Prisoner Recidivism: A 9-Year Follow-up Period (2005-2014). https://bjs.ojp.gov/content/pub/pdf/18upr9yfup0514.pdf

Equal Justice Initiative. (2019). Criminal Justice Reform | Equal Justice Initiative. Equal Justice Initiative. https://eji.org/criminal-justice-reform/

Hayes, T. (2020, July 16). The Economic Costs of the U.S. Criminal Justice System. American Action Forum. https://www.americanactionforum.org/research/the-economic-costs-of-the-u-s-criminal-justice-system/

Hinton, E., Henderson, L., & Reed, C. (2018, May). Vera Institute of Justice. Vera. https://www.vera.org/publications/for-the-record-unjust-burden

Prison Policy Initiative. (2023). United States profile. Prisonpolicy.org. https://www.prisonpolicy.org/profiles/US.html

Rovner, J. (2023, April 7). Juvenile life without parole: An overview. The Sentencing Project. https://www.sentencingproject.org/policy-brief/juvenile-life-without-parole-an-overview/

Travis, J., & Western, B. (2021, April 13). The Era of Punitive Excess | Brennan Center for Justice. Www.brennancenter.org. https://www.brennancenter.org/our-work/analysis-opinion/era-punitive-excess

 


03
Mar 24

Is Eyewitness Testimony Trustworthy?

An account provided by individuals of an event they have personally observed, is referred to as eyewitness testimony in legal terminology. They might be asked to explain a robbery trial or a traffic accident that they witnessed, for instance. This covers information on the crime scene, the identity of the offenders, etc. Research on eyewitness testimony is crucial for understanding human memory and cognitive psychology. Eyewitness testimony is typically given careful consideration by juries, who view it as a trustworthy source of information. However, studies in this field have shown that a variety of psychological factors can influence eyewitness testimony, none more so than Reconstructive Memory.

Knowledge of the validity of eyewitness testimony requires a knowledge of, Frederic Bartlett’s theory of reconstructive memory, which claimed that recall is open to individual interpretation based on taught or cultural norms and values, as well as how we view the world.

Individuals organize information according to what makes the most sense to them. We try to fit information into schemas, which are ways of organizing data, to make sense of it. Schemas are conceptual “units” of information that correlate to individuals, things, or circumstances that are encountered often. Prejudice and social values may have an influence on these schemas. Thus, schemas have the power to skew new or unintentionally “unacceptable” information to make it “fit in” with our preexisting knowledge or schemas. Consequently, this may lead to eyewitness testimony that is not trustworthy.

The legal community, law enforcement, and psychologists have collaborated to try and improve the accuracy and reliability of eyewitness testimony. Eyewitness memory significantly improved when researchers Geiselman, Fisher, MacKinnon, and Holland used an interviewing technique they called the Cognitive interview (CI). The strategy aims to inform witnesses of all the circumstances surrounding a crime without fabricating information or creating false memories. This method involves the interviewer getting to know the witness before posing any questions. The witness is then given the opportunity to provide an unrestricted account of what happened. The interviewer then probes further to get further details from the witness and reassures them that it’s okay to express uncertainty and move on. This method leads the witness, instead of following a strict expectation that the witness must recall every detail.

Correct implementation of the cognitive interview results in increased efficiency and accuracy of eyewitness testimony without the generation of extra false information.

 

References

Bartlett, F.C. (1932). Remembering: A Study in Experimental and Social Psychology. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.

Geiselman, R.; Fisher, Ronald; MacKinnon, David; Holland, Heidi (1986). “Enhancement of eyewitness memory with the cognitive interview”. American Journal of Psychology99 (3): 385–401

Ghetti, S.; Goodman, G. S.; Schaaf, J. M.; Qin, J. (2004). “Issues In Eyewitness Testimony”. In O’Donohue, W. T.; Levensky, E. R. (eds.). Handbook of Forensic Psychology. San Diego, CA: Elsevier Academic Press. p. 532.

Wells, G. L.; Memon, A.; Penrod, S. D. (2006). “Eyewitness Evidence: Improving Its Probative Value”. Psychological Science in the Public Interest7 (2): 45–75.


28
Feb 24

Metro Fare Jumping and Broken Windows

Comparing the crime reports between 2019 and 2023 one sees a significant increase in the number of aggravated assaults from 130 to 278, robbery – 354 to 381, and especially vehicle theft – 25 to 350 (Metro Transit Police Bus -Rail -Parking Lot -Metro Facilities -Others Five Year Crime Report, 2019). Clearly the crime rates are trending in the wrong direction. I skipped the years 2020 through 2022 since due to covid-19 pandemic fewer people were using the metro system during that time.

At the same time the DC council is planning to decriminalize low level offenses such as fare evasion (Why Skipping DC Metro Fares Might Ultimately Be Okay, Even after the Mayor Said No, 2019). The proponents of the measure point out that the majority of those cited are black and therefore enforcement is a form of racial discrimination.

As infrequently as I use the DC metro, I have seen people jumping over the fare gates. A WUSA9 reporter observed as many as 10 “turnstile jumpers” over a 20-minute time frame. Does a small thing like fare evasion even warrant so much attention? There is a hypothesis called “broken windows theory” which claims that low level law breaking creates an image of lawlessness which brings about heavier crime increases (Psychology Today, 2022). Judging by the increases of robberies and assaults in the metro system there is at least a correlation with the even-increasing popularity of fare evasion.

Turnstile jumping happens about 40,000 times a day (Suriko & Byington, 2023). Even without bringing up the more serious crimes it costs WMATA $40 million dollar year. Considering that the metro system has a $185 million budget shortfall this is not something WMATA can simply ignore. While it may seem a victimless crime the jumpers create an impression that the law following is optional. And once the law is optional what we have is lawlessness. One may consider this a form of deviancy training. Jumping the turnstile may lead to a jump in assaults and robberies.

References

Metro Transit Police Bus -Rail -Parking Lot -Metro Facilities -Others Five Year Crime Report. (2019). https://wmata.com/about/transit-police/upload/Five-Year-Crime-Report.pdf

Why skipping DC Metro fares might ultimately be okay, even after the Mayor said no. (2019, January 17). Wusa9.com. https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/why-skipping-dc-metro-fares-might-ultimately-be-okay-even-after-the-mayor-said-no/65-87bf3022-0ba3-4f24-90e7-47781a395395

Psychology Today. (2022). Broken Windows Theory. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/broken-windows-theory

Suriko, J., & Byington, L. (2023, April 19). Transit Systems in NYC and DC Crack Down on Turnstile Jumpers. News.bloomberglaw.com; Bloomberg L.P. https://news.bloomberglaw.com/social-justice/transit-systems-in-nyc-and-dc-crack-down-on-turnstile-jumpers


28
Feb 24

The Death-qualifying Bias

The image shows a jury composed entirely of individuals who appear to be White.

In 2023, there were 2,331 people on death row. The National Academy of Sciences estimates 4.1% of those people – at least 95 people – are innocent. Ninety-five innocent people, wrongly convicted, waiting to be put to death by an archaic, outdated “justice” system. Volumes could be–and have been–written discussing the inhumanity of capital punishment; almost all developed nations have abolished the practice. A consideration worthy of our attention (especially until the U.S. finds its humanity and joins most of the rest of the world as a nation void of capital punishment) is the practice of death-qualifying our juries. The complexities of capital murder trials within states that endorse the death penalty include the composition of the jury.

One of the foundational requirements of serving on a jury, especially in cases where the death penalty is a possible outcome, is the predisposition towards sentencing an individual to death upon a guilty verdict. This criterion, aimed at ensuring the jury’s readiness to enforce the law, inadvertently (or, sinister as my suggestion may sound, intentionally) skews the jury composition towards those who support capital punishment. The implications of this are profound. As Gruman et al. (2016) elucidate, jurors who favor the death penalty are more likely to convict in capital murder trials (p. 307). Studies published after the practice began estimate convictions increased as much as 80% in juries that unanimously favor the death penalty. This correlation between the death penalty’s support and the likelihood of a guilty verdict undermines our trust in the impartiality of our judicial process, should any of us still blindly believe this notion.

The principle of impartiality is central to the concept of a fair trial. It requires jurors to be free from preconceived biases that might influence their judgment. However, the current selection process for jurors in death penalty cases inherently conflicts with this principle. By excluding those opposed to capital punishment, the jury is not truly representative of the community, undermining its role as a fair and impartial body (Gruman et al., 2016, p. 307).

Moreover, the composition of the jury in terms of racial makeup further complicates the issue. Eisenberg, Garvey, & Wells (2001) highlight a disturbing trend: predominantly White juries are more likely to convict, especially when the defendant belongs to a racial minority, or when the victim is White. This racial bias is exacerbated in the context of capital punishment trials, where the stakes are literally life and death. The authors poignantly observe that “majority rule usually means white rule,” a statement that underscores the systemic inequalities perpetuated by the current jury selection criteria (Eisenberg et al., 2001).

These findings underscore an explicit contradiction within the judicial system. On one hand, the system seeks to uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and impartiality. On the other, the methodology for selecting jurors in death penalty cases inherently biases the process, potentially leading to many unjust convictions. This bias not only challenges the ethos of equal justice under the law but also raises ethical questions about the use of the death penalty itself, something with which our society continues to wrestle. As we move forward, it is imperative for legal scholars, policymakers, and the public to critically evaluate these practices and consider reforms that ensure the jury system truly reflects the principles of justice and equality it is meant to embody.

-Laura Gamble

References:

Gruman, J. A., et al. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications. http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pensu/detail.action?docID=5945490

Eisenberg, T., Garvey, S. P., & Wells, M. T. (2001). Forecasting life and death: Juror race, religion, and attitude toward the death penalty. The Journal of Legal Studies, 30(2), 277-311. https://doi.org/10.1086/322060

 

 

 


28
Feb 24

The Reid Technique

In investigative interviewing, police conduct interviews with suspects or witnesses to gather information on a case. When doing so, they use specific techniques to gain information and for suspects to gain a confession. A major method that is used is the reid technique.

The Reid technique consists of three parts. The factual analysis, behavioral analysis interview, and interrogation (Orlando, n.d.). The factual analysis requires the police officers to gather factual information relating to the crime. Along with that, it evaluates and investigates the suspect themself. So, a factual analysis may look at a suspect’s age, race, social status, marital status, and gender. A factual analysis may also investigate possible motives, evaluate evidence both physical and circumstantial, and consider if the suspect had the opportunity to commit the crime (Orlando, n.d.). Ultimately, the factual analysis assists in gaining a confession during an interrogation. 

In terms of the behavioral analysis interview, it is a set of questions that investigators use during an interrogation. The questions are formatted to be non-accusatory and avoid being misleading (Orlando, n.d.). Especially since this can cause the misinformation effect. The misinformation effect refers to an individual recalling a disrupted memory due to leading information provided by someone else (Gruman, 2016). The behavior analysis begins with background questions that lead to more provoking questions. Investigators do this, so they are able to distinguish differing behavior and determine if a suspect is being deceitful.

On the other hand, the interrogation itself only occurs if an investigator is reasonably certain of a suspect’s guilt. Once an investigator is positive of a suspect’s, the interrogation stage can occur. Within the interrogation stage, there’s 9 steps. Steps range from a positive confrontation with the suspect to an oral and written confession (Orlando, n.d.). In essence, the three components of the Reid technique assist in investigators gaining information about a case and a confession by a suspect.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.

Orlando, J. (n.d.). Interrogation techniques. Connecticut General Assembly . https://www.cga.ct.gov/2014/rpt/2014-R-0071.htm


27
Feb 24

Lesson 7 Blog

Organizational life is akin to a bustling ecosystem, where individuals come together to pursue common goals, navigate challenges, and achieve collective success. At its core, it’s a dynamic interplay of people, processes, and structures, all working in tandem to drive the organization forward. Within this framework, teams emerge as the fundamental building blocks, representing the synergy of diverse talents, skills, and perspectives.

Teams within an organization serve as microcosms of collaboration, where individuals pool their expertise and resources to accomplish specific tasks or projects. These teams often operate within a defined structure, guided by shared objectives and roles. Through effective communication and coordination, they harness the collective intelligence of their members to innovate, problem-solve, and adapt to changing circumstances.

However, the journey of a team within the organizational landscape is not without its complexities. Dynamics such as interpersonal relationships, power dynamics, and differing work styles can influence team cohesion and performance. Effective leadership plays a pivotal role in fostering a conducive environment where trust, respect, and open dialogue thrive, enabling teams to leverage their strengths and navigate conflicts constructively.

Moreover, the modern organizational landscape is marked by increasing diversity, not only in terms of demographics but also in work arrangements and cultural backgrounds. Embracing this diversity can enrich team dynamics, bringing forth a spectrum of ideas and perspectives that fuel creativity and innovation. However, it also necessitates a commitment to inclusion and equity, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute their best.

In essence, organizational life is a tapestry woven with the threads of individual aspirations, collective endeavors, and shared achievements. Teams serve as both the architects and the craftsmen of this tapestry, shaping its patterns through their collaborative efforts and collective impact. By fostering a culture of collaboration, empowerment, and continuous learning, organizations can unleash the full potential of their teams, driving innovation, resilience, and sustainable growth.

https://asq.org/quality-resources/teams


26
Feb 24

Do Virtual Teams Follow Traditional Teams Dynamics?

In today’s digital world, the way we learn and work together is changing, especially in online education. The study titled “Team development and group processes of virtual learning teams” takes a close look at how students in an online master’s program form teams, figure out their roles, and deal with challenges—all without meeting in person. It uses a mix of research methods to reveal that even though these teams can’t sit in the same room, they can still complete projects successfully by sharing leadership and relying on technology.

One interesting finding is how these virtual teams quickly move through the stages of team development, skipping the usual conflicts and focusing on getting things done. This shows how important good communication is in keeping the team on track, even when they’re miles apart.

This exploration into virtual team dynamics illuminates how they diverge and converge with Tuckman’s traditional stages of team development. While the absence of the “storming” phase in virtual settings marks a significant departure, the adherence to the “forming,” “norming,” and “performing” stages reaffirms the foundational principles of Tuckman’s model. This blending of old and new underscores the adaptability of core team-building concepts in the digital age, suggesting that, despite the shift to online platforms, the essence of effective team collaboration remains constant.

In conclusion, the study suggests that the way these online teams work together could teach us a lot about managing virtual teams in the future. While the results are specific to this group of students, they hint at broader lessons for making online teamwork more effective and engaging. This research points the way toward better ways to bring people together in the digital age, making teamwork smoother and more productive, even when we’re not in the same space.

References:

Johnson, S. D., Suriya, C., Won Yoon, S., Berrett, J. V., & La Fleur, J. (2002). Team development and group processes of virtual learning teams. Computers & Education, 39(4), 379–393.

 


26
Feb 24

The Recipe for Team Success: Tuckman’s Stages in the Kitchen

Have you ever cooked a large dinner with your friends/family? Did making dinner feel like a team project? In order to explore different activities in which Tuckman’s stages of group development are also mirrored, I decided to use cooking as an example. It turns out, Tuckman’s stages of group development, can be successful in the kitchen too!

Forming (“Preheat the Oven”): In the forming stage, everyone’s gathered in the kitchen, hair up, aprons on, ready to cook. There’s excitement for the delicious meal to come, but uncertainty as everyone figures out where they fit in. Everyone will have a job, whether it’s dicing the onions, stirring the sauce, or baking the bread. Team members will discuss who does what, and express their excitement for the meal to come.

Storming: As the food begins to cook, the team may run into some challenges. John wants to add more spices, while Lisa wants to stick to the recipe. Lisa is annoying John with her controlling actions, and won’t let John break away from the original recipe even though he wants to. The rest of the team doesn’t mind switching it up, but Lisa is certain on sticking with her original plan. This dash of conflict is just as common in the kitchen as compared to any other group setting. Navigating through this stage is crucial, as it sets the groundwork for better collaboration in the future.

Norming Stage (“Taste Testing”): As the meal starts to come together, so does the team. The norming stage is where everyone starts to agree on the meal and the cooking method. The group starts to establish unwritten rules such as who was best at making the sauce, or who’s in charge of cleanup duty. It’s when the team starts to move in cohesively, and the kitchen becomes a place of collaboration.

Performing (“Serving Success”): The group functions seamlessly, and everyone knows their tasks. The meal is ready to be eaten, and it was cooked efficiently. As the group sits down and takes a bite, there’s a moment of accomplishment, as anything is much more rewarding when you’ve done it for yourself.

In the end, just like a delicious meal leaves everyone satisfied, a team that successfully navigates Tuckman’s stages, can achieve great results. Any good team is built up through stages of growth and collaboration, and Tuckman’s model shows us that. Whether it’s in the kitchen, the boardroom, or the field, great things happen when people come together, combine their skills, and perfect their ideas.

References: 

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.

 

 


26
Feb 24

A New Era of Societal Norms

What do you think of when you read the work “automation”? Do you think about a tech assembly line manufacturing a car, or may you just think about a self driving car. Both of these are of course correct.

With the availability of technology growing the need/want for automation also grows. The use of computers is now much cheaper and easier to use than to hire and deal with employees, so jobs such as Human Resources, Sales, and Customer Services have slowly transition to automation.

The longer the machine/AI is in the job role such as a Human Resources manager the more streamlined the process is able to be. Turning a 3 week process into maybe a couple days.

This has created an environment where socialization and teamwork is non-essential, slowly limiting our ability to work with another human appropriately.

As someone who is more introverted than anything else I’m not sure how I feel about this transition. I understand it from the business perspective, but the frustration I feel when I have to repeat “speak with a representative” ten times just so I can ask a question that’s not prepopulated, is extreme. Is this something that we should just settle for? There are programs such as ChatGPT, but I don’t see these used by companies, only kids in school.

I want to know your opinion on this whole thing.


26
Feb 24

Building Team Cohesion: Insights from Applied Social Psychology

In the realm of organizational dynamics, the concept of team cohesion stands as a pivotal determinant of success. Whether in the corporate world, sports teams, or community organizations, cohesive teams often outperform those plagued by discord and fragmentation. But what exactly is team cohesion, and how can we cultivate it within our teams? To delve deeper into this subject, let’s explore insights gleaned from the realm of applied social psychology, drawing from the comprehensive resource “Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems” edited by Gruman, Schneider, and Coutts.

Understanding Team Cohesion

Team cohesion refers to the degree to which members of a team are bonded together and work towards common goals. It encompasses a sense of unity, trust, and cooperation among team members. Research in applied social psychology sheds light on various factors that contribute to team cohesion, offering valuable guidance for team leaders and members alike.

Factors Influencing Team Cohesion

  1. Shared Identity: One key factor highlighted in applied social psychology is the importance of a shared identity within teams. When individuals perceive themselves as part of a cohesive group with shared values, goals, and norms, they are more likely to cooperate and support one another. Leaders can foster a shared identity by emphasizing common objectives and facilitating team-building activities that promote camaraderie.
  2. Effective Communication: Clear and open communication plays a vital role in building and maintaining team cohesion. When team members feel heard, understood, and valued, they are more likely to contribute actively and align their efforts with the group’s objectives. Strategies such as regular team meetings, active listening, and constructive feedback can enhance communication within teams.
  3. Trust and Respect: Trust is the cornerstone of cohesive teams. Members must have confidence in each other’s abilities, intentions, and reliability. Applied social psychology underscores the importance of trust-building behaviors, such as integrity, competence, and consistency. Additionally, fostering a culture of mutual respect and appreciation reinforces team cohesion by cultivating a positive and supportive environment.
  4. Shared Goals and Vision: Teams are most cohesive when members are united in pursuit of common goals and a shared vision. Leaders should articulate clear objectives that resonate with team members’ values and aspirations. By fostering a sense of purpose and direction, teams can align their efforts towards achieving collective success.

Practical Strategies for Enhancing Team Cohesion

Drawing from the insights of applied social psychology, here are some practical strategies for enhancing team cohesion:

  1. Invest in Team-Building Activities: Organize team-building exercises, retreats, and workshops to foster connections and strengthen relationships among team members.
  2. Promote Collaboration: Encourage collaborative problem-solving and decision-making processes that involve input from all team members, fostering a sense of ownership and commitment.
  3. Provide Support and Recognition: Recognize and reward individual and collective contributions, and offer support to team members during challenging times.
  4. Facilitate Open Communication: Establish channels for transparent communication, where team members feel comfortable expressing their thoughts, concerns, and ideas.
  5. Lead by Example: Leaders play a crucial role in setting the tone for team cohesion. Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and a commitment to shared goals.

In conclusion, team cohesion is a multifaceted construct that lies at the heart of effective teamwork. By leveraging insights from applied social psychology and implementing practical strategies, organizations can nurture a cohesive team culture that fosters collaboration, innovation, and success.

References: Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.


26
Feb 24

The Dynamics of Cohesion

Team dynamics play a pivotal role in various settings, ranging from contrived experimental groups to natural teams like sports teams. Forsyth (1999) outlines key features of groups, including structured communication, interdependence, shared identity, and identifiable roles. While artificial groups offer controllability, they lack generalizability to natural groups. Sports teams, however, provide a unique context where researchers can study real-world dynamics while maintaining some control. Sports teams exhibit clear structures, roles, and norms, offering valuable insights into social psychology. Research in this domain primarily focuses on team cohesion, communication patterns, confidence, and goal setting, with performance outcomes being central.

Cohesion within sports teams is a crucial aspect that significantly impacts team success and member satisfaction. Carron, Brawley, and Widmeyer (1997) define cohesion as the tendency for a group to stick together in pursuit of instrumental objectives or member affective needs. Cohesion is conceptualized as multidimensional, dynamic, affective, and instrumental. It encompasses factors like liking teammates, shared goals, and group integration. The dynamic nature of cohesion implies that it fluctuates over time, influenced by team performance and member interactions. Both affective (emotional bonds) and instrumental (goal orientation) aspects contribute to cohesion, leading to social cohesion (bonding) and task cohesion (goal pursuit).

Measuring team cohesion is essential for understanding its effects and antecedents. The Group Environment Questionnaire (GEQ) is a widely used instrument that captures social and task cohesion at both group and individual levels (Widmeyer et al., 1985). It assesses factors such as group integration (social and task) and individual attraction to the group (social and task). Higher scores indicate greater cohesion. The GEQ’s multidimensional approach enables researchers to explore various factors influencing cohesion and its consequences comprehensively.

In conclusion, team dynamics, particularly cohesion, play a significant role in sports teams, impacting performance and member satisfaction. The multidimensional and dynamic nature of cohesion underscores its complexity, requiring careful measurement and analysis. By understanding the dynamics of cohesion, researchers can gain insights into team functioning and effectiveness, contributing to both theoretical advancements and practical applications in sports psychology and beyond.

References

Carron, A. V., Brawley, L. R., & Widmeyer, W. N. (1997). The measurement of cohesiveness in sport groups. In J. L. Duda (Ed.), Advances in sport and exercise psychology measurement (pp. 213–226). Fitness Information Technology.

Forsyth, D. R. (1999). Group dynamics (4th ed.). Wadsworth Publishing Company. Belmont, CA: Brooks/Cole.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.

Widmeyer, W. N., Brawley, L. R., & Carron, A. V. (1985). The measurement of cohesion in sports teams: The Group Environment Questionnaire. Canadian Journal of Sport Sciences, 10(2), 85–92.


26
Feb 24

Navigating Team Dynamics: Understanding Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development

Teamwork is a cornerstone of success in various aspects of life, whether it’s in the workplace, sports, or academia. Understanding the dynamics of teams and how they evolve over time is crucial for fostering collaboration and achieving common goals. One framework that sheds light on the developmental stages of teams is Tuckman’s model of group development. In this blog post, we’ll explore Tuckman’s stages and how they influence team dynamics and collaboration.

Exploring Tuckman’s Stages:

  1. Forming: The forming stage marks the inception of a team, where members come together and establish the groundwork for collaboration. Individuals may feel uncertain or apprehensive as they navigate new relationships and roles within the team. During this stage, it’s essential for team leaders to provide direction and create a supportive environment where members feel valued and accepted.
  2. Storming: As the team progresses, it enters the storming stage, characterized by interpersonal conflicts and power struggles. Differences in opinions and working styles may surface, leading to tensions within the team. Effective communication and conflict resolution skills are crucial for navigating this stage and fostering constructive dialogue among team members.
  3. Norming: In the norming stage, teams begin to establish cohesion and cooperation. Trust and mutual respect develop among members, paving the way for shared leadership and collaboration. Clear goals and roles contribute to a sense of unity and purpose within the team, driving productivity and effectiveness.
  4. Performing: The performing stage represents the peak of team effectiveness, where members work seamlessly together to achieve common objectives. High levels of trust, communication, and flexibility enable teams to adapt to challenges and capitalize on opportunities. Shared leadership and a focus on collective success drive performance and excellence.
  5. Adjourning: As teams complete their objectives or projects, they enter the adjourning stage, where they acknowledge their accomplishments and prepare for transitions. It’s a time for reflection, celebration, and closure as team members bid farewell to their collaborative journey. Recognizing achievements and expressing gratitude fosters a sense of closure and camaraderie among team members.

Practical Tips for Teams:

  • Foster open communication and active listening throughout all stages of team development.
  • Embrace diversity of thought and perspectives to enhance problem-solving and innovation.
  • Encourage collaboration and shared leadership to distribute responsibilities and empower team members.
  • Prioritize team-building activities and opportunities for social interaction to strengthen relationships and morale.

Conclusion: Understanding Tuckman’s stages of group development provides valuable insights into the dynamics of teamwork and collaboration. By recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities presented in each stage, teams can navigate their journey more effectively and achieve greater success together. Whether forming new teams or revitalizing existing ones, applying Tuckman’s model can foster a culture of collaboration, trust, and excellence.

Call to Action: How have you experienced Tuckman’s stages of group development in your own team collaborations? Share your insights and experiences in the comments below! Let’s continue the conversation on fostering effective teamwork and achieving collective goals.

 

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology : Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.


26
Feb 24

Escape Rooms need team cohesion for success!

Escape rooms have become popular over the last few years. Many have either heard of them or played in an escape room themselves. An escape room is an adventurous game  that teams work together for time and completion. You can also compete against other teams.  The goal is to escape a locked room before time runs out. Escape rooms come with all different themes. There can be one room and up to ten rooms. The rooms contain clues, hidden objects, puzzles, math, and confusing subjects. Communicating with your teammates is the best way to be successful. This is times so working together is a huge strategy.

Even with an escape room there tends to be a leader or captain you could say. This person may delegate what each team member should do. This would ensure that everyone has a separate task and is not wasting time since the room is timed. Working together and discussing finds is critical for success. Confirming clues and working together to piece together everything in the room to get to the ultimate goal of unlocking the room. A concept known as group integration- task is necessary for success. ” Group integration-task, which refers to perception of the group as a whole regarding degree of task orientation. (Gruman, 2016).

Escape rooms are fun. Even with the element of fun there is still that competition factor and wanting to win. With each clue that is solved the team will have a sense of accomplishment and unity. Working as a group is critical for success in an escape room. Sharing information once it is found it so important as a team for success.  Coming to the finish line and unlocking the door is the final step. Once this is accomplished the team has succeeded as a unit. This is a fun game that gets the mind working and build on team cohesion!

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968


25
Feb 24

Effective Communication

The subject of social psychology of communication within a work group can be a class all by itself and I am lucky enough to take this class this semester in parallel with PSYCH 424 – CAS 100B, Effective Speech. What is only a chapter on our applied psychology textbook (Gruman et al, 2017) is the whole semester of course material for the working in groups class (Engleberg & Wynn, 2013).

Working remotely on a group project presents unique challenges, primarily with communication. Non-verbal communication becomes very difficult, even impossible. This is what gets shared by intonation, mimic, gestures, and so on – anything that is not words. Some cultures, called high-context cultures, rely more on such unspoken cues than on what is being said.

Even a “plain” spoken language can be a source of misunderstanding. There is a term for a situation when two people took different meanings from the same set of words – bypassing. Add to it different dialects and accents, professional jargon, abbreviations, and cultural differences, and it is a surprise anything gets understood correctly and gets done at all! Sometimes it does not get done, or, more frequently what gets done is not quite what was originally envisioned.

There are some tools one can use to achieve effective communication. They are fairly simple to enumerate, but much more difficult to implement in practice on a day-to-day basis. One should try to use plural pronouns (we, you). Avoid abstract words which may have different meanings for different people. Prefer concrete terms. Absolutely stay away from offensive words – this one should be obvious. Try to be supportive, rather than defensive, that is – descriptive, problem oriented, empathetic, spontaneous, provisional, and equal.

When a meeting is in person, rather than virtual care should be taken of such details as sitting arrangements and personal appearance. Small things matter even in a modern progressive society. Effective communication can make or break your group project. It is bad enough if it is a class group project, but it could be much more serious than that. Imagine a situation when Jet Propulsion laboratory uses metric system for its calculations, and engineers from Lockheed Martin use imperial units.  This actually happened. A miscommunication between two groups resulted not in a comedy but in a loss of Mars Climate Orbiter satellite in 1999. A few hundred million dollars were wasted due to an error in translation (Hotz, 1999).

References

Engleberg, I. N., & Wynn, D. R. (2013). Working in Groups. Pearson Higher Ed.

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., & Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology. Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems.SAGE.

Hotz, R.L. (1999, October 1). Mars Probe Lost Due to Simple Math Error. Los Angeles Times; Los Angeles Times. https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-oct-01-mn-17288-story.html


25
Feb 24

Compliments to the Chef: Biting into Team Cohesion

While food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when looking at what makes a team successful, I’d like to present some reasoning behind the seasoning for your chewing pleasure. Have you ever gone to a restaurant and ordered a plate of broccoli? No steak or chicken, no potatoes or even some cheese to cover your broccoli in? Well, I would hope we all have not had the unfortunate experience of a lone food item for dinner. I think it is safe to say whether we enjoy more meaty entrees or prefer vegan options, we still choose some variety. This same concept can be applied to how cohesion works and how variety is key when it comes to team cohesion.

In order to look at team cohesion, we first have to look at the ingredients that make it work. According to Carron and colleagues (1997), there are four main ingredients involved in cohesion. It is multidimensional, like potatoes being baked, mashed, or fried. It is also dynamic or constantly changing like the avocado you just bought that has probably already gone bad. Cohesion also includes affectivity, or the feelings and emotions that members feel toward one another. With good affectivity it would be like a nice, cooked carrot in warm soup or bad like the crunchy carrot in cold soup. I think we all could agree the soup feels better cooked and warm just like members of a team sharing good feelings toward one another. The last ingredient for cohesion is its need to be instrumental. The team may not spend much time together but there is a shared ideal to meet a goal. This is most similar to pickle and peanut butter sandwiches, they aren’t normally seen together, but to some they reach the ultimate goal of tasting good (I think).

With this basis on a recipe for success we can now look at how variety (like the pickle and peanut butter sandwich) is better for team cohesion. As previously stated, we usually don’t have a meal consisting of mass amounts of just one item. We try to create variations of foods or food groups most times. We could eat an entire plate of our favorite meat, but it probably wouldn’t bode well for our gastrointestinal tract. The same way we want to prevent ourselves from overindulging in one food, we don’t want our teams to be made of the same types of members. This is what is called having complimentary attributes (Gruman et al., 2017). You don’t make a stew with just gravy. A successful and filling stew also comes with meat, potatoes, chopped veggies, spices. Each aspect of the stew has a different job to create a one homogenous dish, while the ingredients still maintain their own identities. Like stew, teams need both leaders and followers, pranksters and more serious members, those who pump the team up and those who can calm everyone down.

When we revisit affectivity and instrumental facets, we also find the overall themes of cohesion, social and task cohesion. These two aspects can be thought of as whatever two ingredients you always want to have on hand for your favorite recipes. It could be butter and garlic or more diverse like milk and hot sauce. All of the ingredients may have their place in a recipe, but not all may work best together. For social cohesion we can compare it to milk and hot sauce. They may be best friends in the kitchen, but more times than not they won’t be the only two ingredients you would add to your dinner. Likewise, high social cohesion within a team doesn’t guarantee they will accomplish the intended goal. Now if we look at butter and garlic who are both dead set on making a dish delicious, it is similar to task cohesion. Task cohesion means that perhaps the ingredients are not great pals but they both are very focused on the same goal. Either way, teams can vary between levels of social and task cohesion in the same way our two favorite ingredients may work better for one recipe and not another.

After getting the dish on team cohesion, we can now look at teams in terms of both individuals and as a unit. Like ordering or cooking our favorite meal, team cohesion takes a multitude of ingredients, variation in how they work together, and the shared drive of ultimately reaching a chosen goal. I hope that this information was able to both expand your understanding and possibly your palate.

 

References

Carron, A. V., Brawley, L. R., & Widmeyer, W. N. (1997). The measurement of cohesiveness in sport groups. In J. L. Duda (Ed.), Advances in sport and exercise psychology measurement. Morgantown, WV: Fitness Information Technology.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2017). Applied social psychology : understanding and addressing social and practical problems. Sage.


23
Feb 24

Four Distinct Phases of Team Formation

Bruce Tuckman’s Stages of Group Development functions as a blueprint for how teams form and develop. It’s a fascinating way to understand all the highs and lows associated with working together. Here are the four phases that everybody can identify with:

The Forming stage is first. At this point, the group is still getting to know one another. It’s exciting and full of possibilities, much like the start of a new friendship. While attempting to determine who is better at what, they are all polite.

The Storming stage follows. Things can get a little difficult at this point. As people begin to hold conflicting beliefs, problems may arise. This is the point of a group project that students may argue on how to tackle the assignment.

The Norming stage comes next. At this point, the group begins to click. They established some guidelines and learned how to cooperate. Group members get together, respect one another’s opinions, and work more efficiently in the group project setting.

Lastly, is the Performing stage. At this point, the group is operating at its full potential. Group members contribute to an excellent final product for the group project that showcases their effort and teamwork.

The Stages of Group Development by Bruce Tuckman is a guide for learning how groups develop and thrive. Any group can do some amazing things as they work through the forming, storming, norming, and performing stages.

 

Reference

Truman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., and Coutts, L.M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.


22
Feb 24

To Be Part of a Team

In applied social psychology, there are many components to be part of a team. This includes group roles and group norms, which tie into Tuckman’s (1965) developmental stages of groups. The developmental stages are a “life cycle” that almost every group or team goes through. These stages include forming, storming, norming, and performing.

In the forming stage, the group members are only just getting to know each other, so conversations are very casual because they have not established a bond. The members have also not established everyone’s roles in the group because they have not seen each other’s strengths or weaknesses. In the storming stage, the members have developed a more personal bond, and being to assign roles. Task roles are one of the roles that is most important in the group. Everyone is assigned to a certain task so everyone in the group splits the work, and have equal contribution. Relationship roles are also formed as the group has become more personal. This is necessary to keep the team connected, even when times get tough. They must still continue to reach their goals.

The norming stage is where the roles and norms are unconsciously established between the members. Without directly stating, the members of the group know which behaviors are appropriate because of the relationships that have formed, as well as generally observing. For example, members of a football team would know what to expect at practice after losing a big game. They would at least keep in mind that they have the other team members to get them through the tough conditioning given by the coach. Finally, the performing stage is where the group shows off their hard work. The long hours put in, as well as the relationships formed, and roles given, all pay off.

To be part of a team could be considered a gift. I have always enjoyed being part of a team because of the new relationships that are formed. Also, because everyone is working toward a common goal, it makes the time together more enjoyable. Social psychology helps us understand our interactions as a team, and what events need to occur to be a successful team.

Reference

Truman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., and Coutts, L.M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications.


21
Feb 24

Artificial Intelligence

Believe it or not, you’ve most likely used Artificial Intelligence (AI) at least once in your life, if not every day. Just think, face ID, Siri, Google Maps, and social media are all powered by AI technology. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a technology that allows machines or software to perform human-like tasks. There are six subsets of artificial intelligence, specifically machine learning, deep learning, robotics, neural networks, genetic algorithms, and natural learning processing (Keserer, 2023). 

Machine learning is the concept of machine learning human behavior from data and algorithms and improving over time(). Some of the most common examples of machine learning are the Google search engine, TV streaming apps (i.e. Hulu, Netflix), and online businesses (i.e.Target, Amazon). Further, deep learning is another subset of artificial intelligence as well as machine learning. Deep learning utilizes neural networks to learn how to perform tasks and helps to recognize patterns (Keserer, 2023). Self-driving cars, translation apps, chatbots, and facial recognition all apply deep learning to achieve these actions. 

Besides machine learning and deep learning, there is robotics, which is a physical form of artificial intelligence (Keserer, 2023). Robotics are used in multiple different lines of work and are responsible for performing tasks that are deemed dangerous or hard. An example of a robot includes a robotic exoskeleton, a medical device worn by a human recently recovering from an illness or injury. Another example is an unmanned combat aerial vehicle (UCAV) or a combat drone. A UCAV is responsible for surveillance, detecting targets, carrying weapons, and more. Equally important there is neural networks, which is a type of software that is used to recognize patterns (Keserer, 2023). Further, the patterns are used to help AI process information and make decisions like humans (Keserer, 2023). However, one of the issues associated with neural networks is that the software overgeneralizes and is limited in its ability to interpret data.

Apart from that, there are genetic algorithms, which use genetics to solve issues and follow the process of natural selection. Genetic algorithms utilize four steps, initialization, evaluation, selection, and reproduction (Keserer, 2023). An example of genetic algorithms would include altering DNA to present the “fittest” of a species. Lastly, there is natural learning processing, which enables machines to analyze, change, and respond to human language (Keserer, 2023). Translation apps, Alexa, Siri, search engines, and Grammarly all use AI technology, specifically natural learning processing. In essence, AI is more complicated and used more in your daily life than you may have originally thought. 

Keserer, E. (2023, November 24). The six main subsets of AI: (Machine Learning, NLP, and more). Akkio. https://www.akkio.com/post/the-five-main-subsets-of-ai-machine-learning-nlp-and-more


19
Feb 24

Lesson 6 Blog

Prejudice and discrimination are complex societal phenomena that have persisted throughout history, manifesting in various forms and affecting individuals and communities worldwide. Prejudice refers to preconceived beliefs or attitudes held about certain groups of people based on stereotypes, while discrimination involves the unequal treatment or unfavorable actions directed towards individuals or groups due to their perceived differences.

At the core of prejudice and discrimination lies the concept of “othering,” wherein individuals or groups are perceived as fundamentally different or inferior based on characteristics such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status. This process often stems from fear, ignorance, or a desire for power and dominance, perpetuating cycles of inequality and injustice.

Prejudice and discrimination can manifest in overt forms, such as hate speech, violence, or systemic oppression, as well as subtle, everyday interactions characterized by microaggressions, implicit biases, and unequal opportunities. These behaviors not only harm individuals directly targeted but also contribute to broader social divisions, erode trust, and undermine the principles of equality and justice.

Addressing prejudice and discrimination requires multifaceted approaches that address both individual attitudes and systemic barriers. Education plays a crucial role in challenging stereotypes, fostering empathy, and promoting cultural understanding. Creating inclusive environments where diverse perspectives are valued and respected can also help counteract prejudice and discrimination by fostering meaningful connections and breaking down barriers.

Furthermore, proactive measures such as implementing anti-discrimination policies, promoting diversity in leadership and decision-making roles, and advocating for social justice can help dismantle systemic inequalities and create more equitable societies. Ultimately, combating prejudice and discrimination requires collective action and a commitment to upholding the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of their background or identity.

 

Source

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK24680/


19
Feb 24

Increasing Motivation in The Workplace through Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory

Motivation is what drives people. It is a critical part of human nature that pushes us to meet our goals and get things done. If we as humans lacked motivation, nothing would be accomplished. Motivation is essential in every part of our lives however, in this case I will discuss why motivation is crucial in the workplace and how through applied social psychology motivation can be increased in the workplace. Specifically the social psychological theory of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory (Gruman, 2016).  

Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory is broken down into five categories. We start with the first level, physiological needs. These needs are the basics, food, water, shelter, clothes, ect. The next level is safety and security. This includes health, employment, and family. The third level is love and belonging. This includes friendship, family, a sense of connection, and intimacy. The fourth level is self esteem. This includes achievement, confidence, self respect and the need to be an individual. And the fifth and final level is self actualization. This includes creativity, morality, inner potential and meaning (Mcleod, 2024). All of these tiers play a role in a person’s individual motivation. 

At different points of life people experience different levels of the needs of each tier. It has been shown that not many people feel they reach the fifth and final tier of Maslow’s hierarchy, self actualization. This is because this tier is the only tier that is considered a self fulfillment need. The first two tiers are considered basic needs, and the second two tiers are considered psychological needs. People base their motivation on how much they can fulfill these needs. For example, people are motivated to get a job in general to make money so they can pay for their basic needs, food, water, shelter, and safety. Once those needs are taken care of, they can move on to the other needs, psychological needs and self fulfillment. If companies were able to promise their employees more than just the basic needs, they would see an increase in motivation and better work being done (Mcleod, 2024). 

There are multiple ways companies, specifically their HR department, can help increase their employees’ motivation by helping satisfy their needs. For psychological needs, employees can be offered health care benefits, wellness services, and making sure the work place is generally comfortable such as a nice office space with a kitchen with food readily available. To help with employees self esteem, companies can incorporate providing their employees with tasks that are unique to their talents, letting employees share their talents and skills with each other so everyone can learn, and making sure everyone in the office, including those with roles of power, are kind and using motivation words and affirmations to each other. Finally, to help employees’ self actualization needs, the most difficult step, companies can sponsor their employees in continuing their education, and dedicate resources to fostering innovation. Fostering innovation can mean letting employees get creative in sharing their ideas for the company without negative judgment (Mcleod, 2024). 

Motivation is a crucial aspect to a person’s life. There are many levels of motivation as we have discussed and how people get motivated. If companies better learned about social psychology and the way people behave and why they do, this knowledge can be used to leverage employees’ motivation. Not only would using Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs Theory help a company, but it will also generally hemp their employees as their own people and learn how to reach self actualization.

Resources:

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968 

Mcleod, S. (2024). Maslow’s Hierarchy Of Needs. Simply Psychology. https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html?ez_vid=2cae626a2fe896279da43d587baa3eb663083817


17
Feb 24

Exceptionally Effective Contact Through Cyberspace

In 1954, Social psychologist Gordon Allport came up with his theory of Contact Hypothesis. He believed that prejudice, preconceptions, and the desire to discriminate would lessen if individuals with different social characteristics had the opportunity to get to know one another and interact. Fast forward to the present, and one of the world’s greatest resources is the internet. The Internet creates a protected environment for users with more control over the communication process. The internet’s ability to connect all types of groups with those they may never meet in person is a resource proving invaluable to social psychology.

As stated in Yair Amichai-Hamburger and Katelyn Y. A. McKenna’s article, “The Contact Hypothesis Reconsidered: Interacting via the Internet” the major challenges of the contact hypothesis are:

(1) The practicality issue: Contact between rival groups according to the conditions required by the contact hypothesis might be very complicated to arrange and expensive to run.

(2) Anxiety: Even though participation in a contact is voluntary, the high anxiety involved in the contact situation may hinder its success.

(3) Generalization: How can a generalization be created from a specific contact with certain outgroup members to the outgroup as a whole?” (2017)

For many decades these dilemmas have created issues for researchers, and through the internet all now have solutions.

Electronic means of communication have created opportunities for connections that were not previously possible back in 1954. People can now be brought “together” despite physical distance and time differences, at least in advanced countries. Electronic meetings don’t require a lot of setup money and typically take up little of a participant’s time. There are many benefits to having participants participate in the contact from the comfort of their own homes. Participants may feel less nervous and more at ease in their familiar settings.

Through the means of the internet, users no longer face language barriers and anxiety responses, and with generative AI and other technological advances, intergroup communication is improved. Its special qualities make the perfect basis for this form of interaction; for instance, participants can establish a safe space, lessen anxiety, bridge geographical gaps, promote equality of other groups and beliefs, improve communication without language barriers, and by utilizing the contact hypothesis theory, an overall improvement in society will happen.

 

Reference:

Yair Amichai-Hamburger, Katelyn Y. A. McKenna, The Contact Hypothesis Reconsidered: Interacting via the Internet, Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication, Volume 11, Issue 3, 1 April 2006, Pages 825–843, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1083-6101.2006.00037.x


17
Feb 24

The Contact Hypothesis That Can Cure Political Violence

Firstly, to define a contact hypothesis this “is a suggestion that the contact between people of different background, under certain conditions, can melt away conflict.” Both political parties are at agreement that violence should be overwhelmingly rejected as a violence tactic. This way of thinking can help individuals open their minds and think of newly improved and innovated ideas to help the public instead of giving people boundaries. Boundaries will be broken and limits will be set what these limits are will be up to the people to decide but resorting to violence will never work.

As Powell in the article said “If we don’t learn to share the planet with each other… we don’t survive.” I believe this is very important for our country especially during an election year among us so not too many riots will be breaking out. The way they wanted to do this is by proposing the idea that “we’re going to try to convince the country that it’s our patriotic duty to see the humanity in people that we disagree with.” To be able to do this we have to lower discrimination rates in the country first. By some educational course or community roles that lead individuals in the right direction upon diversity.

To further add to how this contact hypothesis would work you would have to explain the social identity theory and how people are influenced by different aspects of their individual selves at different times. How this influence works and what kind of influence triggers certain outcomes in peoples minds. How bad triggers can be avoided or talked through upon bigger issues that are contradicted in each political party.

In conclusion, people need to be able to make up their minds upon their beliefs and what they stand for. This would be the only way of how the social identity theory would work and how people would be able to share concrete information with one another to express their ways of thinking as well as persuasion towards their beliefs.


15
Feb 24

Embracing Diversity in a World of Uncertainty

In our evolving world, the significance of diversity and inclusion can’t be overstated. It’s the basis of different cultures, beliefs, and backgrounds that enrich the collective experience. Navigating this experience though, comes with its own challenges, particularly when it comes to uncertainty avoidance. This term refers to the extent at which people of specific cultures are made worried or anxious by uncertain situations. It influences how societies maintain cultural norms, approach change, and deal with the unpredictable.

Cultures with high uncertainty avoidance tend to have strict rules, seeking to minimize the unknown. This can sometimes lead to a resistance to diversity, as what is different or new, will often be perceived as uncertain. On the other hand, cultures that are often more tolerant of differences, hold an environment where diversity is not just accepted, but celebrated. These societies view uncertainty as an opportunity for growth, rather than something to be feared.

However, embracing diversity goes beyond acceptance. It’s about active engagement and understanding. It involves creating spaces where diverse voices are heard, and are important to the decision making processes. This is where uncertainty avoidance plays a crucial role. By acknowledging  our discomfort with the unknown, we can open ourselves to new perspectives.

By educating ourselves about different cultures and lifestyles, we can reduce the unknowns that drive anxiety. Dialogue allows for the exchange of ideas and fosters empathy, breaking down the fear of the unfamiliar. It’s through these exchanges that we can build more inclusive societies, where diversity is expressed and embraced instead of feared.

As we continue to mingle and influence each other on a global scale, our ability to thrive amongst diversity will depend on how well we manage the challenges that come along with it. By being inclusive, we can transform that uncertainty from a negative, into a positive.

Sources:

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., and Coutts, L.M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications

Uncertainty avoidance. Uncertainty Avoidance – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. (n.d.). https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/uncertainty-avoidance


15
Feb 24

Social Identity Theory and Being Part of a Minority Group

The social identity theory refers to how an individual defines themselves into a group based on self-categorizing. This can include race, gender, religion, as well as ethnicity. They share the same “category” as others in the group. Minorities are individuals that may or may not consider themselves as so, which refers to being subordinate to a more dominant group in a setting. When a minority does consider themselves as so, they may experience feelings of exclusion, and higher awareness of their identity when around a “more dominant” out-group (Harwood, 2020).

Negativity that a minority group may face can lead to feelings of exclusion, and can also lower self-esteem. This is because they may evaluate and compare themselves to the majority group, based on standards that are set by the majority group. Although, they do not try to change themselves to conform to the majority group because they are committed to their social identify. Being committed to the identity is a main component of it (Gruman, 2017).  But still, these feelings can be damaging to their mental health if it’s experienced on a regular basis.

Since minorities that are committed to their social identity do not try to conform to the majority out-group, they may try to maintain a positive social identity to others by enhancing the good things about their group, and distancing themselves from the out-group to avoid judgement (Harwood, 2020). In a job where this exists, the minorities may try to find social similarities between others within the same social identity to have a support system in order to eliminate the negative feelings that I’ve mentioned above.

In conclusion, the social identity theory allows us to know how individuals define themselves within groups. Even though minorities can experience negative feelings that can lower their self-esteem, they can find ways around it by finding others that hold the same social identity in terms of race, ethnicity, gender, or religion. Overall, it is important to know that minorities still experience discrimination, and it is important to provide inclusivity by reducing it, and by making them feel a sense of belonging.

References

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., and Coutts, L.M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications

Harwood, J. (2020). Social Identity Theory. In J.V.D. Bulck (ed.) The International Encyclopedia of Media Psychology. Wiley. https://onlinelibrary-wiley-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/doi/10.1002/9781119011071.iemp0153


15
Feb 24

Once We’re Close We Will Get Closer. A Study of Multicultural College Roommates.

   In a  study conducted at UCLA, researchers explored how living with roommates from different ethnic backgrounds affects students’ attitudes and behaviors towards those ethnic groups. This extensive research, spanning over four years and involving around 2000 students, delved into whether sharing living spaces with people from diverse backgrounds can truly make us more accepting and less prejudiced. The study found that, in general, having roommates from different ethnic groups led to more positive feelings towards those groups, showcasing the power of high acquaintance potential in breaking down barriers of prejudice (Van Laar et al., 2005).

Interestingly, the study utilized both a natural experiment, where first-year students were randomly assigned roommates, and a longitudinal analysis, observing the effects of students choosing their roommates in subsequent years. The results were quite consistent: exposure to roommates of different ethnicities, especially in the first year, significantly improved students’ attitudes towards those ethnicities. This effect wasn’t just superficial; it included a reduction in prejudice and an increase in confidence and comfort in interacting across ethnic lines. This suggests that living closely with someone from a different background can challenge and change our preconceived notions in meaningful ways ((Van Laar et al., 2005).

However, the study also uncovered a surprising twist: interaction with Asian American roommates did not always lead to more positive attitudes and, in some cases, even heightened prejudice towards other groups. This anomaly raises important questions about the dynamics of interethnic contact and suggests that the model minority stereotype or pre-existing prejudices among different groups might complicate the effects of direct contact. Despite this, the overarching evidence from the study strongly supports the idea that intergroup living arrangements at universities can be a powerful tool for fostering more inclusive and understanding communities.

This research holds valuable lessons for educational institutions and policymakers aiming to create more harmonious multi-ethnic societies. By facilitating and encouraging cross-cultural interactions through shared living experiences, colleges can play a crucial role in shaping the attitudes of future generations. Close contact between individuals of diverse backgrounds can significantly reduce prejudices, promoting a more inclusive world where differences are celebrated.

References:

Laar, Colette Van, et al. “The Effect of University Roommate Contact on Ethnic Attitudes and Behavior.” Journal of Experimental Social Psychology, vol. 41, no. 4, July 2005, pp. 329–345, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jesp.2004.08.002.


15
Feb 24

Are Prejudice and Discrimination Unescapable?

Prejudice and discrimination are two intertwined phenomena deeply rooted in the fabric of human interactions, shaping our societal dynamics and individual behaviors. They can be impossible to avoid and are prevalent in daily interactions between people in everyday life. In the realm of social psychology, understanding the mechanisms behind these phenomena is crucial to unraveling their complexities and moving towards a more inclusive society.

At its core, prejudice refers to preconceived judgments or attitudes held towards individuals or groups based on factors such as race, ethnicity, gender, religion, or socio-economic status. These biases often stem from stereotypes, cultural norms, and personal experiences, influencing how we perceive and interact with others. Despite efforts to promote equality, prejudice persists, manifesting in subtle microaggressions or overt forms of discrimination. Discrimination, on the other hand, involves the unfair treatment or exclusion of individuals or groups based on their perceived differences. Whether in employment, education, housing, or everyday interactions, discrimination reinforces power dynamics and perpetuates inequality. Its effects ripple through society, marginalizing certain groups and hindering their opportunities for advancement and social mobility.

Social psychology sheds light on the underlying psychological processes that fuel prejudice and discrimination, from cognitive biases to social identity theory. By recognizing our innate tendencies to categorize and simplify complex social information, we can challenge ingrained prejudices and strive for more equitable attitudes and behaviors. Moreover, fostering empathy, promoting intergroup contact, and advocating for inclusive policies are vital steps towards combating prejudice and discrimination and building a more harmonious society.

Here, I’ll focus on how the social identity theory contributes to prejudice and discrimination in everyday interactions. The social identity theory states that “that an individual’s self-knowledge is based on two types of identity (Tajfel & Turner, 1986). One type, known as personal identity, reflects an individual’s sense of his or her own personal qualities and characteristics….The other type, social identity, reflects a sense of identity based on the social groups to which individuals belong or with which they identify” (Gruman et al., 2017).

In conclusion, prejudice and discrimination are multifaceted phenomena deeply embedded in our social structures and individual psyches. Through the lens of social psychology, we can delve into the intricate mechanisms that drive these phenomena and work towards dismantling them. By teaching awareness, empathy, and collective action, we can pave the way for a future where diversity is celebrated, and equality is upheld.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE.


15
Feb 24

How Social Dominance Theory Contributes to Performative Allyship


The image features a woman with short, natural hair and a vibrant yellow sweater standing outdoors. To her right, there's a quote attributed to Dr. Yaba Blay, which reads: "People have to be willing to give up some privilege, but you first have to recognize the privilege that you have."

Reflecting on the essence of Social Dominance Theory (SDT) alongside privilege in our societal hierarchy is like peering into the mirror and noticing for the first time the subtle, yet pervasive, threads of privilege interwoven into the fabric of our daily language and actions. Imagine the metaphor of the “community table” — a notion often celebrated in discussions around diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). It’s a lovely image, isn’t it? Inviting everyone to the table, ensuring every voice has a chance to be heard. But pause for a moment and ponder: Whose table is it anyway? Who extends the invitations, and under whose authority do some ‘allow’ others a seat, a moment in the spotlight?

This is where the teachings of SDT hit home. It tells us that society is a tapestry of hierarchies, with some threads more prominently displayed than others. Those at the top, draped in layers of positive social value, often fail to see the advantage of their elevation — the power, resources, and status cradled in their lap. Recognizing this privilege can feel like a threat, unraveling the very threads that hold their world together. It’s not merely about who gets to speak at the table but understanding the systemic imbalances that dictate the seating arrangement in the first place.

When confronted with the reality of our position, it’s common for individuals perched at the top to cling tighter to privileges, fearing the loss of their comfort and security. It is akin to realizing one is speaking a colonizer’s language without ever intending to —  words dripping with an unconscious assertion of dominance. Acknowledging this doesn’t mean silencing your voice but rather questioning the space it occupies and the air it consumes.

This journey of self-awareness, sparked by the uncomfortable yet crucial conversations about our unintentional perpetuation of systemic inequities, is a step towards dismantling the hierarchies that SDT outlines. It’s about recognizing that “invitations” and “allowances” are steeped in a history of dominance and subordination, and challenging ourselves to rethink how a table could be created where everyone truly has a place — not by anyone’s granting, but by real equity in action. Equity in action is difficult to attain. The subject is not only important to activists; academics have much to say on the subject. Researchers assert, “All too often, allies fail to help or even do more harm than good. Adopting a relational perspective sheds light on how power can undermine ally trustworthiness by compromising allies’ benevolence and competence. Likewise, a relational perspective provides a platform for understanding the role of expressed humility in establishing trustworthiness. By taking themselves off a pedestal, dominant group members can invert traditional power dynamics. . .” (Knowlton, Carton & Grant, 2022).

During a podcast last year, I heard Dr. Yaba Blay discuss the difference between being an ally and being an accomplice, and how she wants accomplices, not allies. Dr. Blay is a scholar-activist, author, and cultural consultant. She said, “When you say to me, “I want to be a better ally,” I don’t need an ally. I don’t need your support from a distance. What are you willing to give up? What are you willing to lose? You’re not willing to lose anything? Stay over there, talk amongst yourselves. I don’t need you. But when you come at me like, “Yo, how? Let’s go. I want to be your accomplice.” Oh, okay. Let’s go then. Let’s burn this shit down. Now we can talk. And that’s me. That’s how I roll. Somebody else will roll differently. But for me, I feel more supported, more affirmed by the idea that somebody’s willing to lose something because they know that it needs to get done.” She continued, “Nobody has to teach folks that animals’ lives are valuable. If you see an animal being abused – People jump. There is no conversation. We don’t have to go back and forth about history. I don’t have to hold your hand. The puppy is being abused, the people didn’t feed him, you’re ready to jump because it’s not right. Why we got to have all this conversation about inequity? Why do we have to have all of this conversation about inequity? Why do I have to prove it to you? And then why do I have to hold your hand to do something different? That’s what it feels like with allyship. Not only do I have to have the experience, not only do I have to organize my own self, my own folks to fight against it but now I also have to tell you how to fight against it too.”

Dr. Blay identified how dehumanizing performative allyship can be, and how important it is to go beyond supporting from a distance. Yet, Social Dominance Theory unravels the comfort blanket of performative allyship, revealing it as a cost-free gesture. Worthless virtue signaling. This theory unveils our deep-seated impulse to shield our circle, ensuring its embrace remains firm around us — a dance choreographed by evolutionary psychology that underscores our need for belonging as vital to our survival and flourishing. When those perched atop the societal ladder are nudged to confront the reality of their privilege, it’s as if a mirror is held up, questioning the foundation of their elevated perch. To acknowledge privilege is to admit that this height wasn’t reached by merit alone but is also propped up by the scaffolds of systemic advantage, crafted and solidified over time. Such an admission doesn’t just nick at the surface; it slices into the very core of a group’s esteemed identity.

Grappling with SDT and the concept of privilege is an invitation to engage in a deeper, more introspective dialogue with ourselves. It’s about questioning not just the words we use, but the underlying structures they support. By doing so, we can begin to unravel the threads of privilege and reweave the tapestry of our society into one that reflects true equity, not just the illusion of inclusion. It will require those of us who occupy positions of privilege to move beyond performative allyship into something more…

-Laura Gamble

Reference:

Knowlton, K., Carton, A. M., & Grant, A. M. (2022). Help (un)wanted: Why the most powerful allies are the most likely to stumble — and when they fulfill their potential. Research in Organizational Behavior, 42, 100180. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.riob.2022.100180


15
Feb 24

Stereotypes of Prejudice & Discrimination

Everyone has heard of stereotypes. Stereotypes are a belief one has or an assumption about someone based on a person’s membership in a group and not taking into account a person’s individual characteristics. These assumptions can be positive or negative. There are stereotypes about gender. A person may think that a women can do things better than a man or vise verse. They may think that a certain job is only for a man or a woman. That is manly. That is womanly. There are cultural stereotypes. If you are from this country, you are lazy. People from this country are better than that country. People in that country are violent. There are social stereotypes. People in that social class are less educated. People in that group are unattractive. The list goes on. Stereotypes do not exclude prejudice and discrimination.

Prejudice is a negative attitude and feeling toward an individual based solely on one’s membership in a particular social group.  Stereotypes are a precursor for justifying prejudice. They are usually a negative feeling towards a specific group.

Stereotypes are often the basis for discrimination. Discrimination is a negative attitude about a particular group. That group is often treated poorly on the basis of the group they fall into. Discrimination can be in careers, institutions, schools, etc.

With how we have evolved over the years you would think that people could get passed stereotypes. It is easier said than done when it comes to accepting and not judging. In the end stereotypes can lead to prejudice. Prejudice can lead to discrimination. They are intertwined. They are all negatives that affect social problems and negativity. Hopefully in the future we can evolve.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968

 


15
Feb 24

Sexism in the Sciences

Sexism is the bias against a group or individual due to their sex. This of course can both go ways: males being sexist towards women and women being sexist towards men. Throughout history sexism is often noticed and more recently noted. Although as a society we have become more forward thinking, sexism exists from the top down ie. Government to household. 

One thing I didn’t expect to be influenced by sexism is therapy. The roles of psychologists were initially made of primarily men, and now that has shifted to more women in the field, I thought having that shift would create a more unbiased environment at least when it came to sex. The Society of Clinical Psychology put together an article talking exactly about this issue. The author states that girls/women that live in an oppressive environment have a greater chance to have poor physical and mental health. 

In the study that was conducted they stuck to strictly structural sexism “norms, policies, and laws that create and sustain gender inequality in power and resources” (Price, Skov). Even though gender and sex is not the same thing they are often related when it comes to scientific entries. The authors noted a therapy known as feminist psychotherapy when they focus on their biological sex and that connection. This has been known to empower women and address oppression that they may feel. 

When originally seeing this article I was excited to see that there was an issue that I didn’t know about but it was actually being addressed. Then I read more into the experiment that they conducted and the researchers used gender and sex interchangeably. This article was written in 2021, there has been a huge revolution in how people are viewed and how they identify since 2018, so seeing a scientist inaccurately address something that I am passionate about is frustrating. I hope to see better research in the future. 

 

Sexism makes it harder for girls to benefit from therapy: Society of Clinical Psychology. Society of Clinical Psychology | Division 12 of the American Psychological Association. (2021, December 3). https://div12.org/sexism-makes-it-harder-for-girls-to-benefit-from-therapy/ 

 


15
Feb 24

Why is Prejudice often confused for Discrimination?

Alessandra DeVito

2/15/2024

Why is Prejudice often confused for Discrimination?

What is Prejudice?

Prejudice is a bad judgment about a person or group, without actually knowing the them.  It’s known as a dislike for someone because of their race, sex, socioeconomic status or, religion.  This includes having negative stereotypes or beliefs about the group.  It also is what leads to unfair treatment and discrimination.  Overall, it is based on stereotypes or generalizations.

What is Discrimination?

Discrimination is unfair treatment of a person or group based on characteristics.  It means you are purposely treating some people differently from others in a negative way.  For example, unequal employment, resources, education, healthcare, and harassment.  This comes from biases and prejudices.  Overall, it is based on actions that result in unfair treatment.

How are they different?

Prejudice is an internalized belief, while discrimination is an external behavior.  Another example is, prejudice could happen without intentional harm towards others.  While discrimination is deliberate actions that result in harm of others.  In the article, ‘Prejudice Vs. Discrimination In Psychology’, it states, “Prejudice is more focused on the emotional response and judgment of a particular group, while stereotypes are more focused on cognitive processes of categorization.” (https://www.simplypsychology.org/prejudice.html).  This shows how a prejudice person might not act on how they think.  Also, how they might not actually discriminate against the person.

 

What can you do to help make a difference?

They both come from biased attitudes about certain groups and have negative impacts on society.  Prejudice is a psychological basis for discriminatory behaviors.  To make a difference, you can reflect on your own biases and see if you can chat;lemnege any prejudiced thoughts you have.  You could also speak up against discriminatory behaviors when you see it happening.  Another way is to support diversity and inclusion in the community.  Lastly, you can vote for change to help equality, social justice, and human rights.  This all creates a more inclusive society for everyone.

 

 


15
Feb 24

The Journey of Finding Love

On the backend of Valentines Day, what better topic to explore than love. In this post, keeping in line with our class’ lesson topic of intergroup relations and diversity, I’d like to reflect on how my understanding of my sexual orientation has changed over the course of my life, and how social stigmatization has played a significant role in this process.

For the majority of my adolescent life, I identified as bisexual, but felt a stronger orientation towards women than I did men. When I think back to that time, it’s clear that this orientation was largely influenced by societal/familial shame regarding same-sex attraction. My family is Slavic and Uzbek/Bukharin, and I never felt comfortable being myself or sharing details about my life given that those cultures tend to be misogynistic and homophobic (Martsenyuk, 2012). I also experienced some instances of discrimination, or behaviors expressing one’s internal prejudice towards a member of a group (Gruman et al., 2017),     throughout grade school, where peers would shout homophobic slurs at me within and outside a school setting. The implicit and explicit prejudiced messages I received from my social environment certainly made an impact on how I interpreted myself and the world around me. However, after high school, things started to change for the better.

Between the ages of 19-23, I found myself exploring or acknowledging aspects of my sexuality that didn’t feel accessible earlier in my life; I was studying at West Chester University at the time and likely felt supported and encouraged by the liberal atmosphere. I dated both men and women and participated exclusively in monogamous relationships. However, I did find it harder to maintain long-term same-sex relationships during my early 20s, though I attribute this to still not feeling secure in my sexuality. There were also short periods of time, namely during the ages of 19, 23, and 24, where I fully identified as gay. These periods coincided with negative and painful experiences with previous female sexual partners and seemed to be a psychological response to cope with the guilt and shame I experienced.

The most recent shift in my understanding of my sexual orientation occurred over the past 3 years, while I’ve been dating my fiancé, Evan. Prior to entering into a relationship with him, I had likely not acknowledged that I was attracted to people that were transgendered. Just as I had experienced in adolescence, it’s quite possible that I unconsciously suppressed those feelings because I had received messages from society that it was wrong to feel that way. At this point in my life, I resonate most with the label “queer”, though I ultimately don’t find labels to be very important. In my experience, trying to align yourself with a label, and all the societally and self-imposed parameters that go along with it, bring about more turmoil than empowerment.

Over the past three years that I’ve been with Evan, I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of ‘housecleaning’ regarding these limited and conditioned views of myself. Through the help of therapy, a supportive network of friends and family, and having assertive conversations with my dad (who has historically been unsupportive), I’ve been able to feel more comfortable in my skin and increasingly compassionate towards myself for the bumpiness of this journey. It’s still an ongoing process, but, overall, I feel less ashamed for being attracted to whoever I am, and for loving in the way that comes naturally to me. Evan and I plan to get married in May of this year, and I’m so unbelievably grateful for the opportunity to love him. This journey has been fraught with a lot of suffering and confusion, but I’m confident that whatever arises will be easier within the life that we create together. In the words of the Sufi poet, Jalāl ad-Dīn Muhammad Rūmī:

“Your task is not to seek for Love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it.” (Fernandez, 2021).

References

Tamara Martsenyuk (2012) The State of the LGBT Community and Homophobia in Ukraine, Problems of Post-Communism, 59:2, 51-62, DOI: 10.2753/PPC1075-8216590205

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Sage Publications. ISBN 978-1-4833-6973-0

Fernandez, E. (2021, February 15). The Most Inspiring Rumi Quotes About Love and Loving. the Positive Mom. https://www.thepositivemom.com/rumi-quotes-about-love


14
Feb 24

Unveiling the Layers of Prejudice and Discrimination

In the intricate tapestry of human interactions, prejudice and discrimination weave through the fabric of society, casting shadows on the lives of those deemed different. Rooted in attitudes molded by group membership, prejudice morphs into discriminatory behavior, perpetuating inequality and social division. Social psychology delves into the complexities of these phenomena, exploring their origins and repercussions with a keen eye.

“Where does prejudice originate? Some believe that prejudice stems from our thoughts and belief systems, or from cognitive sources” (Pg. 402). At the heart of prejudice lie stereotypes, ingrained beliefs about the traits and behaviors of specific social groups. These stereotypes often stem from cognitive processes, where the mind erroneously links unrelated traits due to repeated exposure. For instance, witnessing several instances of red-haired individuals displaying anger might lead one to falsely attribute this trait to all redheads. Such cognitive shortcuts not only shape individual perceptions but also contribute to broader societal biases.

Prejudice thrives in the preference for people who are similar to oneself, leading to negative views of those perceived as different. This bias, possibly rooted in our evolutionary history, highlights the intricacies of human social interactions. While favoring those in our group may have been beneficial in the past, it now often leads to discrimination and exclusion in today’s world.

Stereotypes hold significant sway over individuals, impacting their actions and interactions. Stereotype threat, for example, illustrates how individuals from marginalized groups may experience heightened anxiety over confirming negative stereotypes, leading to performance impairment and reinforcing societal prejudices. However, stereotypes aren’t exclusively negative; they also include positive traits associated with different social groups. Recognizing this dual nature is essential in understanding stereotype content and its effects. By acknowledging the complexity of stereotypes, we can challenge ingrained biases and promote inclusivity.

To conclude, the exploration of prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes unveils the intricate layers of human social cognition. From the cognitive origins of stereotypes to the pervasive influence of stereotype threat, each facet offers insight into the mechanisms driving societal biases. By delving into these complexities, we equip ourselves with the knowledge necessary to challenge prejudice, fostering a more equitable and inclusive society.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). Applied social psychology : Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.


14
Feb 24

My experience with ableist discrimination

In lesson six, we learned about prejudice and discrimination. Prejudice involves having a negative attitude towards a group, while discrimination is more specifically a behavior that expresses a person’s prejudice. In my life, I have been discriminated against many times on the basis of my Autism, and I believe that that behavior sprung from prejudicial attitudes of people towards Autism. For example, when I was in middle and high school, I was often left out of things and made fun of in a usually explicitly ableist way. I know my Autism had something to do with it because everyone in my small grade knew about my diagnosis.

I think that Social Dominance Theory helps explain some of the behavior of previous middle and high school peers towards me. Because there weren’t really any neuro-divergent people that I knew in my high school, I was left out of most activities, especially outside of school. The aforementioned theory says that people often act in a way that protects whatever social group that they are in. This is relevant because my peers may have seen me as a sort of threat to the hierarchical structure of the group. Further, since people like me who possessed negative social value, which stigmas surrounding Autism fueled, and other traits not considered beneficial for the group, I was ousted from most social activities.

I also think that stereotypes about Autism have aided in encouraging discriminatory behavior towards Autistic people like me in middle and high school. The textbook defines stereotypes as “beliefs about the characteristics, attributes, and behaviors of members of certain groups.” This is very unfortunate, since stereotypes are often useless to describing people on an individual basis. The same is true for Autism, since it expresses itself differently in different people. Because of the stereotypes, I often have had fears of behaving in a way that would be in accordance with these claimed stereotypes. This is known as a “stereotype threat.”

When I went to college though, things were much better, both in terms of how I viewed myself and how other people view me. I have gained many good friends and have been involved in many social activities since then. I think education has helped some people come over many of the stigmas and prejudices that they may have once had towards Autistic people. In a word, psychology, in its hands, holds the capacity with changeling and helping change society’s attitudes towards Autism, and this starts with understanding why negative attitudes and behavior towards Autistic people occur, some of which was reviewed in Lesson six.


12
Feb 24

Could your doctor be biased?

Bias is something that can be often unavoidable and there’s little exception when it comes to psychologists and clinical diagnosis and decisions. Bias can be a result of a few different factors such as stereotypes, the labeling effect, confirmation bias, etc. Here I’ll talk about the effects this has on clinical decisions, different studies done pertaining to these factors, and how it could possibly be prevented or minimized.

Stereotypes

“Clinicians work hard to be objective and try not to let individual stereotypes and biases get in the way of providing clients with the best care. However, all people are susceptible to stereotyping other groups, and it is unfortunate that stereotypes may lead mental health professionals to misattribute or misdiagnose their clients’ symptoms. As we will see, the sometimes unconscious nature of culture- and gender-based stereotypes can make it difficult for clinicians to take preventive or corrective steps aimed at guarding against racism or sexism (or other forms of bias)” (Gruman et al., 2017). While I’m sure many of us would like to think we are invulnerable to stereotyping bias it’s unfortunately something we all deal with whether we’re aware of it or not. A study conducted by Jenkins-Hall and Sacco (1991) they had White male and female therapists watch a tape of a therapy client. The tapes were taken of different clients with a variation of race, the presence of a disorder, and gender. Therapists were then asked to analyze these clients. The results showed that “White therapists were more likely to make false-positive diagnoses for Black clients. In particular, White therapists incorrectly rated nondepressed Black clients as having more depression than nondepressed White clients. Depressed Black clients were also rated more negatively than depressed White clients on an interpersonal rating scale that assesses assertiveness, attractiveness, social skills, and other factors” (Gruman et al., 2017).

The Labeling Effect

The labeling effect is best described as the tendency to perceive clients in erroneous ways as a result of an existing psychiatric label or diagnosis. In the clinic this would mean that the clinician may perceive a clients symptoms differently having known their prior diagnosis compared to having not known the prior diagnosis. While there can be stigmas around mental health and psychiatric labels, mental health practitioners are much less likely to fall victim to these stigmas. Instead, they can develop stereotypes that are associated with different diagnosis. For example, In a study that examined judgments of mental health service providers, Burk and Sher (1990) found that children of alcoholics were perceived by clinicians as having equally poor emotional health regardless of whether they were described as “class leaders” or as having “behavior problems””. Although clinicians make every effort to remain practical and impartial they and usually are, they can still fall victim to bias that can effect their clinical decisions.

Anchoring and Confirmation Bias

“Labels and culturally based group stereotypes can act like psychological “anchors.” Like anchors on ships, labels and stereotypes can have a constraining effect. Anchoring effects influence people’s judgments and decisions in every sphere of life” (Gruman et al., 2017). “The anchoring effect is defined as a bias that occurs when a therapist’s first impression about the nature of a client’s problem artificially constricts the therapist’s subsequent assessments (Meehl, 1960; Tversky & Kahneman, 1974)” which can be closely tied in with the confirmation bias which is defined as a process in which people will search for evidence and information that confirms their initial perception or diagnosis in this case. Both of these can lead clinicians down a path that works towards what they think the problem is while getting farther away from what the actual problem is. These effects are often what happen during diagnosing off of stereotypes or prior psychiatrics labels. As stated before, clinicians try very hard not to hit these obstacles and are trained extensively about these biases and how to avoid them which is what we’ll talk about next.

Reducing Errors and Biases

Clinicians are still susceptible to falling victim to the same decision-making biases as someone who isn’t trained but being complacent isn’t an option. In order to prevent these biases from running rampant we need to understand them and learn about them to understand how to avoid them. This can be seen in not only the studies previously mentioned but in addition to an experiment lead by Chen, Froehle, and Morran (1997) in which trainees studying to become counselors were separated into three groups. “One group received specialized education on attribution processes. The second group received specialized education on how to be empathetic toward clients; that is, members of this group were taught how to adopt their clients’ perspective so as to feel what the clients were feeling. The third group formed a control condition and did not receive any specialized education.” it was found that “Trainees in the first two groups were less likely than those in the third group to commit the fundamental attribution error and make dispositional (internal) attributions for clients’ symptoms” (Gruman et al., 2017). This study shows that as long as we understand these biases, the different effects they can have on clinical decision-making, and how to remain impartial to these biases then they will be much less likely to occur.

It’s clear that no one, not even the professionals, are safe from the dangerous pitfalls of stereotypes and biases. However, we have the ability to study, understand, and hopefully overcome these attribution errors which allows for the best possible treatment for a given patient or client.

Schneider, F., Gruman, J. A., & Coutts, L. M. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. In SAGE Publications, Inc. eBooks. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071800591


12
Feb 24

Bridging the Gap: Social Psychology’s Role in Treating Mental Illness


In the realm of mental health treatment, understanding the intricate interplay between social psychology and clinical psychology is pivotal. As we delve deeper into the treatment and prevention of psychological disorders, it becomes evident that social psychological processes play a significant role in both the onset and alleviation of such disorders. From unraveling the cognitive determinants of depressive symptoms to elucidating the mechanisms underlying social anxiety, social psychology has contributed immensely to our comprehension of emotional distress.

One of the key areas where social psychology intersects with clinical psychology is in therapeutic interventions. Social psychologist June Tangney and her colleagues highlight the importance of incorporating social psychological insights into the design and implementation of therapeutic techniques, particularly in the context of anxiety and depression treatments (Pg. 111). By understanding how clients change as a result of therapy, clinicians can tailor interventions more effectively to address individual needs.

It’s essential to recognize the subtle yet crucial differences between clinical psychology and counseling psychology. According to the article Implications for the profession and combined-integrated training, While clinical psychologists often specialize in treating individuals with severe mental illness, counseling psychologists adopt a more holistic approach, focusing on the well-being of psychologically healthy individuals (Cobb et al., 2004). However, these distinctions shouldn’t overshadow the common goal shared by both disciplines: to enhance the psychological well-being of individuals through evidence-based interventions.

The gap between basic social psychological research and its practical application in clinical settings has long been acknowledged. Tashiro and Mortensen (2006) shed light on this disparity, emphasizing the inherent differences in research methodologies between basic and applied research. While basic research prioritizes internal validity, applied research emphasizes external validity. Translational research aims to bridge this gap by applying theoretical insights from basic research to real-world therapeutic contexts, thereby enhancing the effectiveness of mental health interventions.

In conclusion, the synergy between social psychology and clinical psychology holds immense promise for improving mental health treatment outcomes. By integrating social psychological principles into therapeutic interventions and fostering collaboration between researchers and clinicians, we can enhance our understanding of the complexities of psychological disorders and develop more tailored and effective interventions for those in need. As we continue to navigate the intricate landscape of mental health treatment, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of social psychology is paramount in fostering innovation and progress in the field.

Cobb, H. C., Reeve, R. E., Shealy, C. N., Norcross, J. C., Schare, M. L., Rodolfa, E. R. . . . Hall, M. (2004). Overlap among clinical, counseling, and school psychology: Implications for the profession and combined-integrated training. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 60 , 939– 955.

Garb, H. N. (2010). The social psychology of clinical judgment. In J. E. Maddux & J. P. Tangney (Eds.), Social psychological foundations of clinical psychology (pp. 297– 311). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., Coutts, L.M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications

Tashiro, T., & Mortensen, L. (2006). Translational research: How social psychology can improve psychotherapy. American Psychologist, 61 (9), 959– 966.


12
Feb 24

I thought I was a hermit, and other great realizations…

Charismatic is the word my mother uses to describe me, others have said social butterfly and I find this very peculiar considering my adoration for solitude.  When the world shut down during the COVID pandemic it seemed like a gift, here was a reason to stay home and do whatever I wanted and never have to see anyone ever again, I could stay inside without guilt.  Living in San Diego people often suggest getting outside, it’s a nice day they say, well I say every day is a nice day, it’s Southern California, leave me alone.

That’s not to say that I don’t love to be around people, and admittedly so, to be the center of attention, but I really like my alone time.  So, looking back I found it odd that the time in lockdown had the opposite effect I had originally imagined.  In the wake of the pandemic I had put on more pounds than I care to admit, lost my motivation for going anywhere, and therefore any interaction with people outside of a gas station attendant or my kids. Now possibly it was not getting any exercise, or because I had two small boys in school online while I was in nursing school prep courses, but I was not myself to say the least. I had lost my mojo, and I felt angry, and very much inside my head, it was indescribably difficult and I felt alone.

It has been a few years now, my boys survived and so did I, life has begun to seem normal again, but only recently.  As this awareness of normalcy came to fruition, so did the realization that something had gone wrong during that time of isolation, and it wasn’t just a lack of exercise, there was more to it, there was a host of emotional turmoil to sift through, but what struck me most, why had that been the outcome and not a shining butterfly of self-care and peace of mind emerging from that time away from everything?  I loved being alone, I enjoyed binging shows, and puttering around my house without any social contact, so why was I a mess?

It was Aristotle who first proposed that we are social creatures and seek the companionship of others as a component of our well-being.  Well-being, however, has become somewhat of a buzzword and feels rather elusive to attain, like Peter Pan’s shadow, just slipping one’s grasp.  That is, until I started piecing the puzzle together, the whys and whats so to speak of what happened to me, and so many others during this time that could have, and maybe for some, was used to better oneself, in my case, felt more like crawling out of a cave.

Studies have shown that those who regularly attend church or social events tend to live longer and healthier lives (Pew Research Center, 2019), (Godman, 2023).  Many of us have heard that religion leads to happier, and thus healthier lives, but what is it that offers this life extension?  According to (Umberson & Karas Montez, 2011) when adults are more socially connected, they too live longer and healthier lives than their counterparts (isolated adults).  And, in one news brief (Godman, 2023), researchers conducted a study examining the lifestyle and social environments of 28,000 individuals for a term of five years.  Findings show that the more that people were socializing the longer they were living, if they did not socialize every day, they still lived longer than those who did not socialize at all (Godman, 2023).

There was credible information showing we are indeed social animals, and this solitude many of us lived through had a serious impact on our overall health and well-being.  As the (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023) state, people who are socially connected are more likely to have stability, healthy relationships, and improved decision-making ability.  They go on to mention that the very choices we make are better for our health when we are among others and that we manage stress better, and depression (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023).

So here it was, findings that show just how important social interaction is for our overall well-being, the elusive shadow, completely within my reach.  It took baby steps, I started delivering food, and would occasionally interact with a customer, and then I started easing into grocery stores, and more.  Now about 4 years later, I have begun to lose weight, I have people over to my house again, and I go out and socialize.  I realized that I am seen as charismatic and social because although I am a social butterfly, my “me time” is imperative for recharging my energy.  However, with that being said I can see clearly now that the support of others, and those daily interactions, no matter how brief, are all part of our nature, and something I was desperately lacking.  As Thomas Kottke once said “Medicine is a social science in its very bone and marrow” (Kottke, 2011).

 

 

 

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, May 8). How Does Social Connectedness Affect Health? Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/emotional-wellbeing/social-connectedness/affect-health.htm#:~:text=When%20people%20are%20socially%20connected

Godman, H. (2023, July 1). Even a little socializing is linked to longevity. Harvard Health. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/even-a-little-socializing-is-linked-to-longevity#:~:text=Within%20the%20first%20five%20years

Kottke, T. E. (2011). Medicine Is a Social Science in Its Very Bone and Marrow. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 86(10), 930–932. https://doi.org/10.4065/mcp.2011.0444

Pew Research Center. (2019, January 31). Religion’s Relationship to Happiness, Civic Engagement and Health Around the World. Pew Research Center’s Religion & Public Life Project. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2019/01/31/religions-relationship-to-happiness-civic-engagement-and-health-around-the-world/

Umberson, D., & Karas Montez, J. (2011). Social Relationships and Health: a Flashpoint for Health Policy. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 51(1), 54–66. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022146510383501

 

 

 

 


12
Feb 24

Lesson 5 Blog

Health psychology is a specialized field that focuses on understanding how psychological, behavioral, and social factors influence health and illness. It examines how people’s thoughts, emotions, and behaviors contribute to their overall well-being and how these factors can impact their physical health. One key aspect of health psychology is studying the ways in which stress, coping mechanisms, and personality traits affect individuals’ susceptibility to illness and their ability to recover from it. By exploring these connections, health psychologists aim to develop interventions that promote healthier lifestyles and improve medical treatment outcomes.

In addition to investigating the psychological aspects of health, health psychology also delves into the role of social factors in shaping health behaviors and outcomes. This includes examining how cultural norms, social support networks, socioeconomic status, and environmental factors influence individuals’ health-related decisions and experiences. Understanding these social determinants of health is crucial for developing interventions that are effective across diverse populations and addressing health disparities.

Another important focus of health psychology is the study of health behavior change. Health psychologists explore the factors that motivate people to adopt or maintain healthy behaviors such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and smoking cessation, as well as the barriers that prevent them from doing so. By understanding the underlying psychological processes involved in behavior change, health psychologists can design interventions that are tailored to individuals’ needs and increase the likelihood of long-term success.

Furthermore, health psychology plays a critical role in the field of chronic illness management and prevention. By examining the psychological factors that contribute to the development and progression of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, health psychologists can develop strategies to help patients cope with their conditions more effectively and improve their quality of life. Additionally, health psychologists work to identify risk factors for chronic illnesses and develop interventions aimed at preventing their onset or reducing their impact.

https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/subfields/health#:~:text=Health%20psychology%20examines%20how%20biological,and%20improve%20health%20care%20systems.


12
Feb 24

The Hopelessness Theory, Biomedical Model, and Depression from Diagnosis of a Chronic Illness

Individuals with chronic illnesses such as cancer, could often experience depression after diagnosis. The hopelessness theory would be responsible for these outcomes. The depression from chronic illness is explained by this theory based on vulnerability and negative environmental circumstances (Gruman, 2017). The biopsychosocial model also plays a role in understanding depression that coincides with chronic illnesses. This includes biological, psychological, and social factors (Gruman, 2017).

            First, vulnerability in the hopelessness theory could cause depression from cancer diagnosis because individuals believe they were vulnerable to the illness based on genetics, therefore they do not necessarily consider that they had any control over the diagnosis (Alloy, 1988). In some cases, this is true, such as people receiving the diagnosis of lung cancer when they never smoked a day in their life, or were never exposed to cancer causing agents from the environment, such as a job where they inhale harmful substances all day. In this instance, it does seem to be uncontrollable. This could make someone develop depression because they may think “I did everything right, how could this happen”, which is where genetics are blamed. This could make an individual feel less motivated to undergo treatment recommendations because of the hopelessness theory (Alloy, 1988).

In other cases, where an individual develops lung cancer because they smoked for several years, they may consider social/environmental factors and think “I wish I never smoked because this would not have happened”. This is also true in instances where someone had a career that could have resulted in their diagnosis. This is where negative environmental circumstances come into play for the hopelessness theory. Self-blame could take a toll on their mental health and result in depression. These individuals may also engage in negative cognitive patterns (psychological aspect of the biomedical model), such as catastrophizing and overgeneralization regarding the illness. Cognitive distortions such as believing in the worst possible outcome, and perceiving the illness as a never-ending pattern, would also result in depression (Alloy, 1988).

The aspects explained above are how the hopelessness theory and the biomedical model could play a role in developing depression for someone diagnosed with cancer. Vulnerability involving genetic (biological) factors, negative environmental/social circumstances, as well as psychological factors play a huge role. It is important for these individuals to have a sufficient support system in order to not give into their distorted thoughts, and to undergo the treatment that they need, despite what they personally believe about the illness.

References

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., Coutts, L.M. (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications

Alloy, L.B., Abramson, L.Y., & Metalsky, G.I. (1988). The Hopelessness Theory of Depression: Attributional Aspects. The British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 27(1), 5-21. DOI: 10.1111/j.2044-8260.1988.tb00753.x


11
Feb 24

Understanding the Interplay of Learned Helplessness, Psychological Flexibility, and Depression: A Preliminary Exploration

Mental health is a complex interplay of various factors, ranging from individual cognitive processes to broader environmental influences. Recent research published in the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science delves into the relationship between learned helplessness, psychological flexibility, and depression symptomatology. This preliminary study sheds light on how these factors interact and potentially impact mental well-being.

Learned Helplessness
Learned helplessness, a phenomenon where individuals perceive themselves as unable to control adverse circumstances, has long been associated with depression. The theory posits that repeated exposure to uncontrollable situations leads to a sense of helplessness, ultimately contributing to depressive symptoms. This belief system, characterized by pessimistic attributions and reduced motivation, creates a cycle of disengagement from valued activities, exacerbating depression.

Psychological Flexibility
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) introduces the concept of psychological flexibility, the ability to consciously engage with the present moment and align actions with personal values. It emphasizes the role of language and cognition in shaping behavior, suggesting that interventions should focus on changing the function rather than the content of thoughts. Psychological inflexibility, marked by experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion, has been linked to poorer mental health outcomes, including depression.

Connections to Applied Social Psychology
The study’s findings resonate with principles from applied social psychology, particularly regarding the role of social environments in shaping cognitive processes and behavior. Chapters discussing health psychology shed light on how individual behaviors and mental well-being are influenced by social factors, such as learned behaviors and social support networks. Understanding the broader context in which learned helplessness and psychological flexibility operate can inform more effective interventions for depression.

The exploratory study conducted by Inês A. Trindade, Ana Laura Mendes, and Nuno B. Ferreira aimed to investigate the moderating effect of psychological flexibility on the relationship between learned helplessness and depression symptomatology. Using a community sample of 84 Portuguese participants, the researchers assessed levels of learned helplessness, psychological flexibility, and depression symptoms. The study revealed a significant interaction between learned helplessness and psychological flexibility, indicating that individuals with higher psychological flexibility exhibited fewer depression symptoms, even in the presence of learned helplessness. This suggests that psychological flexibility may serve as a protective factor against depression, particularly for those prone to learned helplessness.

Understanding the interplay between learned helplessness, psychological flexibility, and depression has significant implications for mental health interventions. The findings underscore the importance of targeting psychological flexibility in therapeutic approaches, as it may mitigate the impact of learned helplessness on depressive symptoms. By fostering greater acceptance and commitment to valued actions, interventions can empower individuals to break free from the cycle of helplessness and depression. This preliminary study offers valuable insights into the complex relationship between learned helplessness, psychological flexibility, and depression. It highlights the potential of psychological flexibility as a buffer against depressive symptoms, paving the way for future research and interventions aimed at promoting mental well-being.

In conclusion, the study underscores the importance of considering psychological flexibility in understanding and addressing depression, emphasizing the need for holistic approaches that integrate individual cognitive processes with broader contextual factors.

Trindade, I. A., Mendes, A. L., & Ferreira, N. B. (2020). The moderating effect of psychological flexibility on the link between learned helplessness and depression symptomatology: A preliminary study. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science15, 68–72. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jcbs.2019.12.001


09
Feb 24

Impact of Stereotypes and How to Solve it

Although we may not want to admit it, we all have experience with categorizing individuals into social groups. Whether it’s unconsciously or consciously, we should avoid it. Here’s why. Socially categorizing individuals or groups can lead to stereotypes and false representations of groups. It can also encourage further biases and acts of discrimination. Negative attitudes or prejudice can arise from stereotypes as well, which can have a negative impact on you and others. 

More specifically, stereotypes can cause you to avoid certain groups of people and create false beliefs about them (Allidina & Cunningham, 2021). Not only that, but stereotypes may cause you to believe individuals or groups of people possess certain characteristics. For instance, a common stereotype is that all Asians are smart. Although, this may be considered a positive stereotype compared to a negative one, such as blondes being dumb. There are still false beliefs and assumptions made about groups of people, which can be harmful. 

Using my two previous examples, stereotypes can be harmful whether they are positive or negative. A positive stereotype such as all Asians are smart is harmful as it labels them with specific characteristics and generalizes them as a whole. Also, it neglects to recognize diversity within the group. On the other hand, negative stereotypes such as blondes are dumb are harmful as they cause people to make faulty initial impressions about them. It can also promote an environment where expectations are expected of certain groups. Stereotypes is a problem that creates conflict and prejudice, but how do we solve it?

One option that is mentioned is the contact hypothesis. The contact hypothesis suggests that intermingling different groups of people where they can share a common goal is effective in reducing prejudice (Gruman et al., 2016). Along with that, the contact hypothesis is associated with reducing discriminatory behavior and stereotypes being made. Besides the contact hypothesis, how can we solve stereotypes? 

Allidina, S., & Cunningham, W. A. (2021). Avoidance begets avoidance: A computational account of negative stereotype persistence. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 150(10), 2078–2099. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001037

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology : Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems(3rd ed.). : SAGE Publications.


08
Feb 24

When Help Goes Too Far

While I was reading about the methods and challenges of health psychology (Gruman et al., 2017), I began to wonder about the limits of using scientific knowledge of applied psychology to influence others. Let’s say, for example, that we are designing an intervention to encourage people to quit smoking. It is a valid public health goal. It has the potential to save many lives, if successful. A nagging question, however, bothers me, somewhere on the back of my mind: what if a person does not want to stop smoking? How far are we going to go to design a successful intervention before it stops being a fair-minded encouragement and starts turning into mind control?

Some may think such concerns are ridiculous. We are far away from being able to control what someone thinks or feels. Aren’t we? I believe the very success of some of the interventions described show that to some extent it is possible to influence other people’s decisions. It is not hard to imagine similar techniques so improved that the subjects of such influences would not even notice being influenced. What happens then to free will?

I can easily imagine such development happening very gradually and with the best intentions. Gently directing people to healthier choices with respect to food and exercise.  Influencing them away from breaking laws. Encouraging them to abstain from premarital sex, drugs, and alcohol. Motivating them to vote for a “better” political party.

Stop, stop, some would say. This will never happen in this country. This kind of thing happened in the Soviet Union (van Voren, 2010).  As much as a third of political prisoners were subjected to forced psychiatric treatment there in the 1970s.  While it is not likely to see someone forced to take psychiatric medications for political reasons in the US, more subtle forms of persuasion seem fairly likely. It could be painted as protecting the children or doing public good. And very likely it could indeed save or improve millions of lives. At a small small price of freedom of choice. When then, help goes too far?

References

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., & Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology. Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems.SAGE.

van Voren R. (2010). Political abuse of psychiatry–an historical overview. Schizophrenia bulletin, 36(1), 33–35. https://doi.org/10.1093/schbul/sbp119

 


08
Feb 24

The Cost of Being Yourself: Higher Risk of Substance Abuse in the LGBTQ+ Community

Chances are, most of you who are reading this sentence know someone, or at least know someone who knows someone, that has struggled with addiction. Over the past several decades, there have been more and more stories and news reports about substance abuse and how it’s affected the lives of American individuals and their families. It’s no surprise that substance abuse and addiction is a very real and very serious problem in our modern world. However, what most people may not have known prior to this post is how prevalent and pervasive addiction is with the LGBTQ+ community.

Consistent with minority stress theory, which states that one’s experience of discrimination and social stigma can lead to the development of psychopathological disorders (McConnell et al., 2018), a handful of research has emerged over the past decade connecting this psychosocial phenomenon to a host of issues found within the LGBTQ+ community. Studies have shown that members of the LGBTQ+ community are uniquely prone to developing substance abuse disorders as compared to the heterosexual majority (Kerridge et al., 2017). It seems that the community’s elevated stress experienced from sexual minority-related discrimination often results in a diminished capacity to effectively cope with emotional hardship, leading to chemical dependence on drugs and alcohol (Hatzenbeuhler, 2009). Aside from the evident physical and mental consequences of substance use and dependency, this maladaptive emotional-focused coping mechanism also starves the individual of the opportunity to effectively process the psychological experience of stress, which can lead to health consequences beyond substance use (Gruman et al., 2017).

As one might expect given the severity of this circumstance, several studies have been conducted over the last few years aimed to investigate which social psychological interventions are most effective in addressing addiction in the LGBTQ+ community. Like most findings within applied psychological fields, there isn’t a “one size fits all” answer. Nonetheless, there certainly seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. One longitudinal study (Pachankis et al., 2018) demonstrated that cognitive-behavioral techniques helped reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety in queer individuals when applied to the cognitive distress that resulted from sexual minority-related discrimination. Given the significant association between these psychopathologies (Esmaeelzadeh et al., 2018), the effectiveness of CBT treatments for members of the LGBTQ+ community is a promising piece of the puzzle. Some researchers have aided in the development of holistic models for clinical interventions for addiction amongst LGBTQ+ individuals (Dyar, C., et al., 2023), while others have identified the benefits of targeting one’s motivation for maladaptive coping (Belvins & Stephens, 2016).

Overall, it seems as though the most effective interventions for addressing the LGBTQ+ community’s elevated risk for developing addictions involves a combination of alternative coping skill building, addressing minority-related stress, and conventional substance abuse symptom treatment (Dyar, C., et al., 2023). Of course, somehow preventing the individual’s participation in the addictive behavior from the onset would be the most effective approach but that doesn’t seem to be realistic in this day and age. Many solutions to widespread social issues often start via educational means (Gruman et al., 2017), so perhaps blog posts like this one are a decent alternative. All things considered, there is certainly hope that as further research is done on addiction and the factors that lead to its development within certain populations, people will continue to be equipped with coping strategies and therapeutic resources that help them live healthy and meaningful lives.

 

References

Kerridge, B. T., Pickering, R. P., Saha, T. D., Ruan, W. J., Chou, S. P., Zhang, H., Jung, J., & Hasin, D. S. (2017). Prevalence, sociodemographic correlates and DSM-5 substance use disorders and other psychiatric disorders among sexual minorities in the United States. Drug and alcohol dependence170, 82–92. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2016.10.038

McConnell, E. A., Janulis, P., Phillips, G., 2nd, Truong, R., & Birkett, M. (2018). Multiple Minority Stress and LGBT Community Resilience among Sexual Minority Men. Psychology of sexual orientation and gender diversity5(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1037/sgd0000265

Hatzenbuehler M. L. (2009). How does sexual minority stigma “get under the skin”? A psychological mediation framework. Psychological bulletin135(5), 707–730. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0016441

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2017). Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Sage Publications. ISBN 978-1-4833-6973-0

Pachankis, J. E., Sullivan, T. J., Feinstein, B. A., & Newcomb, M. E. (2018). Young adult gay and bisexual men’s stigma experiences and mental health: An 8-year longitudinal study. Developmental Psychology, 54(7), 1381–1393. https://doi.org/10.1037/dev0000518

Esmaeelzadeh, S., Moraros, J., Thorpe, L., & Bird, Y. (2018). The association between depression, anxiety and substance use among Canadian post-secondary students. Neuropsychiatric disease and treatment14, 3241–3251. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S187419

Dyar, C., Lee, C. M., Rhew, I. C., & Kaysen, D. (2023). Sexual minority stress and substance use: An investigation of when and under what circumstances minority stress predicts alcohol and cannabis use at the event-level. Journal of Psychopathology and Clinical Science, 132(4), 475-489. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000819

 Blevins, C. E., & Stephens, R. S. (2016). The impact of motives-related feedback on drinking to cope among college students. Addictive Behaviors, 58, 68–73. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2016.02.024


07
Feb 24

Persuasion in Social Psychology

Persuasion comes in many forms and is used throughout many professions. Most people may think of persuasion associated with professions such as being a lawyer defending your client, being a business person promoting a deal or selling something, or a politician campaigning and persuading people to vote for them. However, these are not the only professions or ways persuasion is strategically used. In social psychology we often use persuasion to promote the overall well being of others through social influence. Social influence is the interactions we have with others that persuade us to change our values, beliefs, and or behavior (Gruman, et al, 2016). 

There are many types of persuasion that social psychologists use for the greater good. One type is informational appeals. Informational appeals are giving people evidence and facts on a topic that they can understand to persuade them on this topic (Gruman, et al, 2016). For example, If you had been to your local doctors office during the times of COVID you may have seen posters with facts on them about wearing masks. These posters would have stated evidence in a way that is easy for the general public to understand on how wearing masks helps prevent the spread of germs and in turn the spread of COVID. 

Another type of persuasion is fear appeal. Fear appeal uses fear inducing elements that in turn engage the audience and scare them into changing their ways on the promoted topic (Gruman, et al, 2016). Research has shown that fear appeal using factors of emotional interest, concreteness, and proximity has a significant impact on attitude change, specifically using emotional interest (Sherer, et al, 1984). A great example of fear appeal is the packaging of cigarettes throughout Europe. In America, cigarette packaging is the normal logo of the brand. In Europe the packaging of all cigarettes is required to have a disturbing real life photo of what smoking cigarettes can do to someone’s health. For example, a picture of blackened lungs or a person with a hole in their throat. These photos are meant to strike real life emotional fear into people and persuade them not to smoke cigarettes for their well being. Research has shown that these tactics have made a difference in stopping people from continuing to smoke (Kahnert, et al, 2020). 

Persuasion is an effective technique that can be used in many professions and aspects of our lives. Social psychologists use persuasion for the greater good of our health. They can persuade us in subliminal ways to change our behaviors, attitudes, beliefs, and or values. Social psychologists are able to use multiple ways of persuasion such as informational appeal, to give us the facts in a way we can understand to change our ways. Or by using fear appeal to scare us into changing what may be dramatically impacting our health. Overall, social psychologists’ use of persuasion is very strategic and arguably one of the most important uses of persuasion as it helps us become overall healthier people. 

References 

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968 

Kahnert, S., Driezen, P., Balmford, J., Kyriakos, C. N., Aleyan, S., Hitchman, S. C., Nogueira, S., Demjén, T., Fernández, E., Katsaounou, P. A., Trofor, A. C., Przewoźniak, K., Zatoński, W. A., Fong, G. T., Vardavas, C. I., Mons, U., & EUREST-PLUS Consortium (2020). Effectiveness of tobacco warning labels before and after implementation of the European Tobacco Products Directive-findings from the longitudinal EUREST-PLUS ITC Europe surveys. European journal of public health, 30(Suppl_3), iii84–iii90. https://doi.org/10.1093/eurpub/ckaa039 

Sherer, M., & Rogers, R. W. (1984). The role of vivid information in fear appeals and attitude change. Journal of Research in Personality, 18(3), 321-334. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-6566(84)90016-3


06
Feb 24

Hope Therapy

Social psychology has been applied to understanding origins of psychological disorders, diagnostic methods, and exploring  treatment options for psychological disorders (Gruman et al., 2016). Especially in regard to depression, social psychology has played a significant role in determining treatments. More specifically, social psychology has found based on the hopelessness theory that depression is bound to occur if two conditions exist.

If an individual is “vulnerable” and experiences “negative environmental outcomes” there is an increased risk of becoming depressed (Gruman et al., 2016).  Further, if a person makes pessimistic attributions or perceives to have a lack of control over their life they may have a negative outcome expectancy or feeling of helplessness. With that said, a prominent treatment for depression based on the theory is to alter the individual’s mindset to be more positive (Gruman et al., 2016). This is also known as hope therapy. 

Hope therapy works towards encouraging individuals to think differently through enhancing their attributional style, which suggests that individuals make global and stable attributions towards unseen circumstances (Gruman et al., 2016). In other words, hope therapy works with individuals to be more resilient and to have a hopeful outlook on challenges that may arise. Another part of hope therapy includes altering the client’s environment through differing methods (Gruman et al., 2016). Some of the methods include setting achievable goals, community outings, listening to music, animal therapy, playing games, creating art, and more. All of these activities are meant to increase the frequency of positive and enjoyable experiences. 

While there are other ways to increase more frequent amounts of positive experiences, these techniques have been found to be effective (Sadeghi et al., 2015). They increase hopefulness, while decreasing the risk for depression. Not only that, but they encourage you to have a more positive outlook on life. Activities such as these are simple things that you can do to decrease depression and increase a life full of hope and happiness. 

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology : Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). : SAGE Publications.

Sadeghi, H., Ebrahimi, L., & Vatandoust, L. (2015). Effectiveness of hope therapy protocol on depression and hope in amphetamine users. International Journal of High Risk Behaviors and Addiction, 4(4). https://doi.org/10.5812/ijhrba.21905 


05
Feb 24

Getting People To Recycle

Everyone knows what it means to recycle. They know that it is better for the environment. It is not difficult to recycle. It makes you question why do so many people refuse to recycle? Getting people to recycle seems like you have to break the habits they have. Creating a new habit that becomes second nature. When we are used to do something there is not much of a thought process and effort put into doing it. Recycling has become more popular everywhere you go. There are two waste baskets one for trash and one for recycling. Some stores do not offer bags. You must bring reusable bags or purchase a bagThere is a misconception that stores do this in order to save money and make money on the purchase of the bags.

In a study conducted by Ojala the results showed that even the people that did not recycle found that it was important. The negatives outweighed the positives to recycle. “These negatives aspects included viewing recycling as inconvenient, complicated, or mistrusting that recycling was actually beneficial; and viewing oneself as too lazy to recycle” (Gruman, 2016). I can see that home there may be a little more effort into separating your trash from Recyling. Overall, it is not that much of an inconvenience. Maybe people are not certain what is recyclable and what is not. They may not want to take the time to read the item. One of the largest problems seems to be that people do not believe that recycling is real. If they do not believe in something they are less likely to do it.

Recycling can also be buying used items. Going to a yard sale instead of going shopping at the store. This option can also provide unique items you will not find anywhere else. Going to the thrift store and buying clothing or household items. They are cheaper and you are recycling. They are always popular for Halloween costumes so why not for other things. Re-using items at home rather than throwing them away and getting a new one right away. The small steps make big strides.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968


05
Feb 24

Driving Less for a Greener Future: How Feedback Can Make a Difference

In a world where environmental concerns are becoming increasingly urgent, one of the most pressing challenges we face is reducing our carbon footprint. Among the various contributors to environmental degradation, vehicular emissions stand out as a significant culprit. With over 240 million registered vehicles in the United States alone, finding effective ways to encourage people to drive less has become imperative.

A study conducted by Graham, Koo, and Wilson (2011) sheds light on a promising approach to tackle this issue. Their experiment targeted college students, a demographic often heavily reliant on personal vehicles, and utilized online interventions to encourage reduced driving behavior. The key intervention involved participants reporting the number of miles they had avoided driving over a two-week period. This simple act of record-keeping, independent of the feedback received, proved to be effective in reducing driving behavior, as evidenced by the participants’ self-reported reductions in car usage.

However, what truly stood out in this study was the impact of feedback on driving habits. Participants who received feedback regarding the pollution avoided and financial gains from driving less reported driving less than those in the control group. Moreover, those who received combined feedback on both the environmental and financial benefits reported the greatest reductions in driving behavior.

This finding underscores the importance of providing individuals with personalized feedback that resonates with their values and motivations. By linking the decision to drive less to both prosocial goals, such as helping the environment, and personal benefits, such as saving money, individuals are more likely to be incentivized to change their behavior.

So, how can we apply these insights to promote driving less on a larger scale? Here are some possible strategies: Utilize Technology through the development of mobile apps or online platforms that allow individuals to track their driving habits and receive personalized feedback on the environmental and financial benefits of reducing their car usage; Public Awareness Campaigns that promote understanding about the environmental impact of excessive driving and highlight the personal benefits of alternative modes of transportation, such as cycling, walking, or using public transit; Incentive Programs that reward individuals for driving less, such as offering financial incentives for carpooling or using alternative modes of transportation; Community Engagement to foster initiatives that encourage carpooling, car-sharing, and the development of walkable neighborhoods, making it easier for individuals to choose alternative modes of transportation; and Policy Interventions advocating for sustainable transportation options, such as investing in public transit infrastructure, implementing congestion pricing schemes, and incentivizing the use of electric vehicles.

By employing a multifaceted approach that combines personalized feedback, public awareness campaigns, incentive programs, community engagement, and policy interventions, we can create a culture shift towards more sustainable transportation habits. The study by Graham, Koo, and Wilson (2011) highlights the potential of feedback interventions in promoting driving less. By tapping into both prosocial and personal motivations, we can inspire individuals to make greener choices for the benefit of our planet and future generations.

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.). (2016). (Pg.365). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. SAGE Publications, Incorporated.

 


05
Feb 24

And Sometimes We Fail

 

The last step of promoting behavior change is evaluation (Gruman et al., 2017). If the earlier steps were always unfailingly successful there would never be any need for evaluation. So, the possibility, or even a necessity of occasional failure is an integral part of the process. The goal of social design is to create buildings and public spaces which offer something more to the people living or visiting there than merely ornamental value. It is a very admirable goal but aiming for it does fail sometimes.

The new communities project was started in 1968 with the purpose of helping disadvantaged groups in fast growing areas to improve their social and economic opportunities (Edwards & Rodwin, 1979). The project was supposed to provide a mix of income, ethnic, and social groups with modern style planning and technological and social services breakthroughs. 13 projects were approved, and 6 of them were actually started. In 1975 the program was closed to new applications and by the late 1970s it was widely admitted being a failure.

A similar project called “new towns” was running in the UK at approximately the same time (Peiser & Chang, 1999). Its main social objective was “to provide decent housing in pleasant communities for large numbers of families.” Among the innovative (for that time) features was a concept of “green field site” – a town built in the middle of farmland.

One of the more successful of such new towns Milton Keynes had its share of troubles and went through a big loan write-off in 1987 to the amount of over five hundred million British pounds. The financial issues were the reason for the shutdown of the US program as well where most of the communities that were actually built had to go through bankruptcy.

Their sad story underscores a useful lesson – no matter how noble and well-intentioned the designs are, how lofty their goals may be, good intentions cannot substitute for a lack of cold hard cash. The evaluation step after the fact should help to point to the problem: the original design was not financially sound on its own. Money is not usually one of the aspects of applied psychology interventions, but it should not be overlooked completely. Big projects need to be paid for by someone. If the goal is to help the poor and the disadvantaged the funds are not likely to come from those groups, therefore they must be extracted from the wealthy. The nature of such wealth extraction can vary from case to case but failure to do so will guarantee that the most beautifully designed social projects will fail. And so sometimes we fail. Hopefully, not all the time.

References

Evans, H., &amp; Rodwin, L. (1979). The New Towns Program and Why It Failed. Public Interest.

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., &amp; Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology.
Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems.SAGE.

Peiser, R. B., &amp; Chang, A. C. (1999). Is It Possible to Build Financially Successful New Towns? The Milton Keynes Experience. Urban Studies, 36(10), 1679–1703.
https://doi.org/10.1080/0042098992773


04
Feb 24

Looking to help stop food waste? You’re in the right place.

Alessandra DeVito

2/4/2024

Looking to help stop food waste? You’re in the right place.

What is food waste?

Food waste is when the left over food is thrown out or recycled.  This can include the following, intentional and unintentional spoilage, leftovers, and packaged food waste.  More ways are also by, overproduction, and food that has been served but not eaten.  This is a huge global issue with environmental and economic consequences.  Food waste contributes to the depletion of natural resources.  It also generates greenhouse gas emissions which is very harmful to the Earth.

How can you help?

Food waste undermines efforts to address food insecurity.  One of the ways to help reduce this is to volunteer at a local food pantry.  For example, in the article, “Want to volunteer at a food bank?”, it states, “Your donations make it possible for millions of families to share meals and memories.” (https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/how-volunteer-food-pantry-during-holidays).  This shows how important food drives are for the community and one of the ways to help eliminate food waste.  It also shows how overall, food bank volunteers pack food, sort food, meal prep, give out meals, and deliver meals.

Solutions

In order to reduce harmful environmental impacts, there are the following ways to do this.  This includes a combination of prevention, reduction, and the correct disposal.  You can make sure to plan meals carefully, which will lessen any overbuying problem.  Another way is to donate extra food to help those in need.

Even composting, the waste can reduce the environmental impact because it will be used to help soil.  You can encourage recycling, educate businesses about the benefits of reducing this, and encourage sustainable food choice.  Lastly, by making food recovery problems with restaurants to collect the surplus food will help.  Using all of these strategies will significantly reduce the harmful impacts of food waste to the environment.

 


31
Jan 24

Why Trickle-Down Environmentalism Won’t Save Our Planet

Alt text: "Illustration of a figure standing at the center of concentric circles with the words 'IDENTITY,' 'DENIAL,' 'DISSONANCE,' 'DOOM,' and 'DISTANCE' inscribed on them, representing a conceptual model of climate inaction. To the bottom left, there is a flag with the text 'CLIMATE NEWS'."The idea of trickle-down environmentalism is as alluring as it is flawed, mimicking the deficiencies of its economic predecessor. Well-intentioned proponents of the idea suggest if the elite embrace sustainability, their behaviors will set an example that trickles down to the rest of society, leading to widespread environmental action. However, this idea falls short of addressing the complexities intrinsic to the social dilemmas facing society in the fight to save our planet.

Trickle-down environmentalism fails to consider the inherent inequity in environmental impact. A recent journal article asserts that around 50% of global emissions are caused by the wealthiest 10% of the world’s population, while the poorest half of the world’s citizens–those most impacted by the crisis–contribute only 7% (Starr et al., 2023). Further widening the inequity, the richest are living lifestyles far removed from the consequences of their environmental choices. Who are the “rich?” An annual income of $38,000+ is the entry point to the world’s wealthiest 10%; if one makes more than $109,000, they skyrocket into the world’s top 1%. The disconnect between actions and consequences creates a buffer that downplays the urgency for change among elites, a problem exacerbated by cognitive dissonance. Cognitive dissonance occurs when we attempt to hold incongruent understandings or beliefs simultaneously. This causes psychological stress, and leads us to change, downplay, add, or remove cognitions until they are consistent (Gruman et al., 2016). For the affluent, who contribute significantly to environmental degradation yet experience minimal personal impacts, the dissonance is negligible, and there exists little incentive to change.

The effects of the climate crisis most severely impact those least responsible. Climate change does not affect all equally; it disproportionately targets the poorest and most vulnerable communities, further entrenching systemic inequities. The rich, insulated by their wealth, are often the last to feel the effects, resulting in a delayed and often diluted response. The creation of “loss and damage” funding at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) was predicated upon the widespread belief that those initiating and benefitting from the emissions driving climate change should shoulder some of the responsibility to address the damage caused to communities hit hardest by their actions (Starr et al., 2023). The question is, though, are top-down initiatives enough? The answer, quite simply, is no. Trickle-down environmentalism requires buy-in those at the top likely cannot manufacture, because cognitive transformation is required to activate behavioral change (Shao et al., 2023). Cognitive transformation generally requires an experience that changes our perspectives. Individuals must understand and internalize the importance of these actions, which often requires direct experience with the adverse effects of climate change—something the wealthy are shielded from.

Experiential Learning Theory (ELT), developed by David Kolb, posits that individuals learn and change their behaviors through experiences, especially when experiences challenge their existing beliefs or knowledge, (i.e. when cognitive dissonance exists). Transformational experiences lead to experiential knowledge, which, in this context, could lead to environmental behavior change. But how will the top 10% learn experientially the impact of our toxic contributions?

There exists another pitfall working against our environment. Social Learning Theory, generally associated with positive learning and modeling, may not always produce positive outcomes. This theory emphasizes the role of observational learning, imitation, and modeling in human behavior. According to Social Learning Theory, people learn from observing others, particularly those they consider role models or aspire to be like (Gruman et al., 2016). According to the tenets of this theory, if the poor aspire to be wealthy, they may emulate the rich; in seeking wealth, they may adopt the same harmful environmental behaviors. This aspirational mimicry is a significant risk, as it suggests that the actions of the rich could perpetuate and exacerbate existing environmental problems. As it relates to trickle-down environmentalism, the theory suggests those at the top, typically the wealthiest and most influential in society, are less likely to experience direct, adverse effects of climate change. Thus, they have little experiential learning to catalyze genuine understanding and behavioral change toward environmental conservation. Their decisions and behaviors are less likely to be influenced by the environmental crises that disproportionately affect less affluent communities.

We know environmental crises demand a robust and inclusive approach. We likely cannot rely on the behaviors of the most affluent to lead the way. Instead, we need systemic change that involves all levels of society. We must empower the most vulnerable, promote widespread cognitive transformation, and ensure that environmental action is not a luxury of affluence but a universal commitment. We know what must be done. The question is: how do we do it?

-Laura Gamble

References

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology : Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). : SAGE Publications. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/pensu/reader.action?docID=5945490&ppg=46

Shao, X., Jiang, Y., Yang, L., & Zhang, L. (2023). Does gender matter? The trickle‐down effect of voluntary green behavior in organizations. Asia Pacific Journal of Human Resources, 61(1), 57-78. https://doi.org/10.1111/1744-7941.12348

Starr, J., Nicolson, C., Ash, M., Markowitz, E. M., & Moran, D. (2023). Assessing U.S. consumers’ carbon footprints reveals outsized impact of the top 1. Ecological Economics, 205, 107698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ecolecon.2022.107698

Warner, L. A., Cantrell, M., & Diaz, J. M. (2022). Social norms for behavior change: A synopsis: WC406/AEC745, 1/2022. EDIS2022(1). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-wc406-2022

 

 

 

 

 


30
Jan 24

Drive Less!

Resource dilemmas are issues where individuals must choose between their self-interests and the interests of others (Gruman et al., 2017). An issue that is commonly discussed as a resource dilemma is air pollution. Air pollution is the release of harmful pollutants into the air. These harmful pollutants negatively impact the Earth and our health. Despite the negative effects on our well-being we continue to contribute to the poor and unhealthy air quality that we breathe.

Burning fossil fuels, manufacturing chemicals, and driving vehicles are just a few ways how we contribute to air pollution. With that said, there are ways to implement more pro-environment behavior. A simple one is to drive less since the burning of fuel to operate vehicles releases hazardous chemicals, such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide into the air (Washington State Department of Ecology, 2023). These poisonous chemicals affect our air quality and can lead to additional greenhouse gases. Along with that, the chemicals that are inhaled can increase your risk for respiratory issues, cancer, heart disease, and more (World Health Organization, 2019). Therefore it’s important to drive less, so we can help reduce the air pollution that is damaging our Earth.

Electric Car: 2024 Tesla Model S

Plus, there are tons of alternatives to driving that enable you to get from place to place, while being mindful of the environment. For instance, you can walk, skateboard, or ride your bike. All of these options are healthy and have benefits to them. More importantly, they reduce air pollutants from being released into the air. Other options include taking public transportation. Although it doesn’t eliminate air pollution, it will at least assist with reducing it. Another option is buying an electric car. Electric cars have been found to improve air quality while reducing air pollution drastically (Tonachel, 2015).

Therefore, let’s put in the effort to drive less, even a little bit helps! Pick a day when it’s nice out and try a different form of transportation rather than traditional driving. Ultimately, by implementing ways that are more environmentally friendly, we are helping to solve resource dilemmas, such as air pollution. So, let’s help take care of the Earth and drive less!

Isabella Slobodjian-Morta Psych 424:  Applied Social Psychology

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., & Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology. Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. SAGE.

Tonachel, L. (2015, September 17). Study: Electric vehicles can dramatically reduce carbon pollution from transportation, and improve air quality. Natural Resources Defense Council. https://www.nrdc.org/bio/luke-tonachel/study-electric-vehicles-can-dramatically-reduce-carbon-pollution-transportation

Washington State Department of Ecology. (2023). Reducing air pollution from cars. https://ecology.wa.gov/Issues-and-local-projects/Education-training/What-you-can-do/Reducing-car-pollution

World Health Organization. (2019, November 15). Health consequences of air pollution on populations. https://www.who.int/news/item/15-11-2019-what-are-health-consequences-of-air-pollution-on-populations#:~:text=It%20increases%20the%20risk%20of,poor%20people%20are%20more%20susceptible.


11
Dec 23

The crossroads of maladaptive adult attachment and hot cognitions

The application of social psychology to personal relationships is what I would consider the bread and butter of much of my professional work as an outpatient psychotherapist. In this setting there are various presentations and although diagnoses may be similar the intricacies of each client can be vastly different. One common theme I have encountered is clients who report concerns related to the navigation of interpersonal dynamics. Many times, their reactions reflect the content described in the lecture handout summarizing the work of Allport (1985) who described hot versus cold cognitions. The theory proposed that hot cognitions are those fast-paced cognitions that elicit action or emotional reactions. Cold cognitions move a little slower and integrate rational derived from previous experiences or other stored information (as cited in Nelson, 2023). Another concept from the lesson was adult attachment styles which expanded upon the idea that developmental attachment styles were the end of the road for attachment. Instead, Bartholomew (1990) proposed four adult attachment styles: secure, preoccupied, fearful, and dismissing. A secure attachment style for an adult is portrayed by a healthy amount of reliance on others, willingness to trust others, and a degree of comfortability with intimacy. A preoccupied attachment is composed of more anxieties regarding being abandoned and a person is hyper reliant on others. Being closed off from others, fearing rejection, and lacking trust in others would delineate a fearful attachment style. Finally, the dismissing attachment style would describe someone who is independent and sort of aloof when it comes to connecting with others, but not altogether concerned by it (as cited in Weber & Dobson, 2017). The essence of this discussion will be to integrate the concepts of hot cognitions and maladaptive adult attachment styles, as they have presented in a specific case I encountered in my work.  

A former client of mine, we’ll call her Laura for the sake of anonymity, embodied the preoccupied attachment style mentioned by Bartholomew (1990) to a tee. She often reported worry her partner would leave her, doesn’t love her anymore, and pulled virtually all her self-worth from positive interactions with him and would be devastated at anything perceived as discontent within their dynamic. In sessions, she would stew and puzzle over seemingly minute interactions that overwhelmed her thinking there was some sort of clue within that would either justify her fear or assuage it.  

When I would see Laura, it was in the context of therapy. I was hardly ever privy to what she called meltdowns wherein she would be overwhelmed by an intense rush of emotions, hopeless, helpless, worthless, to name a few. She would berate herself in the mirror and would be inconsolable. She would beg and plead with her paramour to not leave, to forgive her, but also to humiliate herself, why would you want to be with someone so stupid/ugly/useless?” Reader, when I tell you Laura was her own worst enemy, I am not hyperbolizing. Allport would probably agree, she was a victim of her own hot cognitions. There was very little cognitive time or distance between the trigger for emotional instability and the hot cognitions that led to extreme reactions.  

As I am sure the reader can imagine, this was not a new pattern for Laura. Since adolescence her relationships with muddled with fast, intense reactions and hyper dependency on the current paramour. It was clear to Laura; the long-standing pattern was no longer sustainable, and she wanted to live a happier life with reduced anxiety and smaller scale reactions. Straying away from social psychology for a moment, potential interventions for symptoms like those Laura experienced could be mindfulness, cognitive reappraisals, and implementation of controlled breathing practices. Her attachment style would be addressed if we could just transition her away from hot cognitions and rely more readily on cold thought processes where she could objectively consider an event without immediately reacting. Once she was able to include rational from cold cognitions into processing stressors, that opened the door for looking deeper into the attachment style and how to remedy another complex, pervasive issue.  

The concepts from this lesson have helped me in my creation of conceptualizations of clients. Although specific factors are likely to change, the general outline of processes remains the same, be it the cognitions described by Allport or the attachment styles from Bartholomew. These concepts have been essential to how I approach my clients so that I am able to meet them where they are and provide individualized, empathic, and effective care.  

 

References  

Nelson, A. (2023). Lesson 12: Relationships/Everyday Life [Class Handout]. Canvas.  https://courses.worldcampus.psu.edu/canvas/fa23/22381–16042/content/13_lesson/printlesson.html  

Weber, A. & Dobson, J. (2017). Applying social psychology to personal relationships. In Applied Social Psychology: Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd Edition ed., pp. 417-434). SAGE Publications, Inc, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071800591 


09
Dec 23

Get Off My Bench…Or Not?: An Understanding of how Social Psychology Influences Social Design

Alonzo Richardson

PSYCH 424

Get Off My Bench…Or Not?: An Understanding of how Social Psychology Influences Social Design

In recent years, a term by the name of “hostile architecture” was created to describe how cities are designed to keep the homeless population out of certain areas. For a long time, civil engineers and architects have designed room layouts, buildings, roads, and other outer spaces to be conducive to a certain type of environment. The culmination of these constructs are what makes up an area’s social design. Environmental psychologists analyze and evaluate these spaces in order to determine how effective they are at being spaces conducive to growth, from large and small scales. In the case of hostile architecture, it seems to emerge from a type of social design called defensible space. Defensible space is a common technique that civil engineers within a given municipality or city will employ in order to deter crime (Gruman, 2017). So this begs the question: at what point does our protective nature go too far? 

Defensible space is an important development in societies. For example, let’s take design differences on crime rate. Environmental psychologists claim that, even when removing people, the architecture and maintenance of project housing gives more rise to crime because the environment is dirtier and less maintained, and living spaces are more boxed in and close together. This design increases the confidence in potential criminals that they can get away with more. The opposite effect occurs with well maintained apartments, townhomes, or single family homes, where the environment appears to have its own area, meaning the space is more defensible. (Cisneros, 1996). It’s a reflection of how community leaders understand social psychology, and how the environment itself can increase the hostility of a social environment

Hostile design takes the principle of defensible space and gives it too much defensibility. Examples include “anti-homeless” spikes, or putting metal studs on flat surfaces to reduce the ability of homeless people sleeping or lodging around certain areas (Esner, 2021)., It’s a type of social design geared against the homeless population, reflecting. Outside environments not conducive to. This type of social design is influenced by implicit biases about homeless people.

Social design has been proven to be able to influence community behaviors and social perception. Encouraging a more positive environment requires careful thought to be placed in a given area, such as increasing recycling or reducing household energy usage (Gruman, 2017). One example of social psychology applied to the environment in a positive way is a study conducted in 2011, an online intervention directed at reducing driving in college students. For two weeks, the students would report how long they drove each day, how much pollution they contributed, and how much they avoided driving. The result suggests that the process of keeping track of this served as an effective intervention strategy, and reduced driving greatly independent of the feedback received. There is a profound connection between environment/social design and human behavior and well-being.

References

 

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., & Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology. Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. SAGE.

 

Esner, R. (2021). Hostile Architecture: How Our Cities Attack The Homeless. The Current. Nova Southeastern University https://nsucurrent.nova.edu/2021/02/17/hostile-architecture-how-our-cities-attack-the-homeless/#:~:text=The%20problem%20with%20hostile%20architecture%2C%20and%20the%20source,purposefully%20restricting%20these%20individuals%E2%80%99%20access%20to%20an%20area.

Cisneros, H. G. (1996). Defensible Space: Deterring Crime and Building Community. Cityscape, 15–33. http://www.jstor.org/stable/20868434


09
Dec 23

Guilty By Association

Alonzo Richardson

PSYCH 424

 

Guilty By Association

 

Picture yourself, on trial for a crime you did not commit. The night you were arrested, you were driving home from work, and got pulled over. You, thinking you might’ve gone a little over the speed limit, turned to pick up your license and registration, but a voice yelled “put your hands where my eyes can see them”. Instantly, you were thrown out of the car onto the ground, and some hours later, you were sitting in a holding cell. That cell turned into months, and after trial, it turned into years. Some of the judges and jurors even looked like you. 10 years later, more conclusive evidence comes out that incriminates a completely different person, and you’re released. You don’t have much going on for you in the outside world, as most people you knew and loved stopped associating themselves with you once you were convicted, despite there being no evidence. 

Now, why is this situation possible? What is it that made you so suspicious to the point that you became culpable for someone else’s crime? Jurors are people. Police are people. People not only make mistakes, but also have biases. We can only hope that fairness can be upheld by police or within a court of law, but arrests and verdicts don’t always end up that way, and limitations of fairness differ in every single case. There are a few ways in which social psychology can explain this phenomenon, and even serve to help some.

Firstly, I’ll analyze how the police can make this mistake. One way, simply put, is that they might not look like you. Although this might not sound very…sound, this occurrence is made possible by a phenomenon called the “cross-race effect”. A 2012 study conducted by Young, Hugenberg, Bernstein, & Sacco defines this effect as “the tendency for individuals to be better at recognizing and identifying faces of their own race than faces of a different race” (Gruman, 2017). You can literally just look guiltier when you have members of a different ethnic group making your arrest and placing you into criminal investigation. 

Secondly, I’ll analyze how jurors and judges can make this mistake. The reasoning behind your conviction could be due to an expert persuading the jurors of your guiltiness because they might not like your gender or sexuality. It could be due to a judge not liking your race or religious background. For jurors, the verdicts they will reach are influenced by pre-trial beliefs, cognitive biases, and biased interpretations from “experts” (Curley, et. al, 2022). Implicit biases are scarier than explicit biases, as it’s become increasingly harder to openly admit bigoted beliefs. Moreover, research shows that judges usually don’t alert jurors to potential implicit biases that could arise (Kirshenbaum et. al, 2020) so it’s generally up to the jury to maintain a level of honesty and fairness.

To prevent scenarios like this from happening, there is no easy solution. Curing people of bias is impossible, but there are ways to better equip the legal system for these scenarios. For example, the deliberation process to reach said verdict is influenced by jury size, demographic backgrounds of the jurors, and many various other things. Jury size is typically 6-12 people chosen at-large from their community, based on the current American standard for trials, called the “adversarial model” (Gruman, 2017). Research shows that larger and more diverse juries tend to deliberate more than smaller ones and take more time to reflect on evidence (Gruman 2017), so that alone can reduce groupthink and really emphasize the importance of deliberating. Police and judges could benefit from more education on implicit bias (Kirshenbaum, et. al, 2020) and careful investigation, but it’s generally a pretty slow process.

 

References

 

Kirshenbaum, J. M., & Miller, M. K. (2020). Judges’ experiences with mitigating jurors’ implicit biases. Psychiatry, psychology, and law : an interdisciplinary journal of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychiatry, Psychology and Law, 28(5), 683–693. https://doi.org/10.1080/13218719.2020.1837029

 

Curley, L. J., Munro, J., & Dror, I. E. (2022). Cognitive and human factors in legal layperson decision making: Sources of bias in juror decision making. Medicine, science, and the law, 62(3), 206–215. https://doi.org/10.1177/00258024221080655

 

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., & Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology. Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. SAGE.

 


09
Dec 23

Is attraction learned or inherent?

Alonzo Richardson

PSYCH 424

Is attraction learned or inherent?

Environmental Psychologists say the fittest go first. Cognitive Psychologists say it’s about shared beliefs. Freud said it’s your mom. Or dad. Whatever the case may be, we as humans can’t get enough of what we’re attracted to. The same part of our brain activates when we see a sunset or a supermodel (Yang, et, al, 2005). The source of that attraction is highly debated, but there are key similarities that we all share in regards to physical attractiveness, according to modern social psychology. Social dynamics are affected by our standards of attractiveness as well, providing benefits to those we consider more attractive and vice versa for those we consider less attractive. So it begs the question: is attractiveness more a matter of socialization or is it universal? 

Well for starters, First, I’d like to explain the evolutionary side. Across cultures, people share similar interests in attractive people to almost an innate level. From an evolutionary perspective, factors that influence this include but are not limited to, face shape and the shape and size of facial features, height, weight, shoulder length (in men for women), or hip width (in women for men) (Little, et. al, 2011). Although this research does seem to be decently conclusive, it is generally limited to certain places and cultures, even within relatively diverse countries. For example, in a cross-cultural study in 2021, men and women from five different countries (China, South Africa, India, France, and Japan) were tasked to assess attractiveness and health in women from those respective countries from different age groups and health backgrounds. These ratings generally showed people tended to view women from their own background as more attractive and healthy, in all places, but India, where raters showed statistical bias against South African and Indian women. The only metric by which women were universally deemed less attractive and healthy were the older women (Voegeli, et. al, 2021).

Next, I’ll describe the social dynamics of attractiveness. On the internet, I’ve come across two terms that have gotten quite popular recently on social media, called “pretty privilege” and “lookism”. These terms are used somewhat interchangeably depending on a range of contexts. “Pretty privilege” is generally what is used in pop culture to describe what is known in the psych world and academia as the “halo effect” phenomena, or the “physical attractiveness stereotype” (Gruman, 2016). The halo effect describes a social situation where someone who is perceived as very attractive is often assumed to have more positive “angelic” qualities, like being smarter, more confident, and more likable. The reverse of this phenomenon is called “lookism”. Similar to racism and sexism, ”lookism” is a way that others discriminate against those deemed less physically attractive. Both are usually unjustified and unsubstantiated, but statistically these issues rein true. For example, in a 1994 study conducted by Hamermesh and BIddle concluded that employers generally prefer attractive job applicants (Gruman, 2016). 

In all honesty, I believe when it comes to an innate or it’s a bit of both. Even though attractiveness isn’t universal, it is usually pretty generalizable. It doesn’t take a scholarly article or university blog for most people to distinguish between those we find as highly attractive and not very attractive at all. But when we evaluate the intersections of society that lead to certain biases, then human attraction becomes much more complex.

 

References

 

Yang, T., Formuli, A., Paolini, M., Zeki, S. (2022). The neural determinants of beauty. Eur J Neurosci. doi: 10.1111/ejn.15543. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34837282/

 

Little A.C., Jones B.C., DeBruine, L.M.. (2011) Facial attractiveness: evolutionary based research. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci. doi: 10.1098/rstb.2010.0404. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3130383/

 

Voegeli R, Schoop R, Prestat-Marquis E, Rawlings AV, Shackelford TK, Fink B. (2021) Cross-cultural perception of female facial appearance: A multi-ethnic and multi-centre study. PLoS One. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0245998. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7822532/

 

Gruman, J.A., Schneider, F.W., & Coutts, L.A. (2017). Applied Social Psychology. Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. SAGE.


20
Nov 23

Growing Social Change: The Effects of Community Gardens in Urban Areas

If there is one lesson I will take away from this course, it is that social change can occur in a variety of ways. Its flexibility allows for it to affect many different groups of people and be applied to a myriad of situations in the hope of improving the community. One manner of social change that I have always found interesting and have heard second-hand about its benefits is that of Community Gardens. Community gardening allows for a group of people to connect in a mission of growing food and beauty while fostering positive personal and interpersonal effects in the process. In a world where much of our daily connection to others occurs online, a communal garden would offer an outlet to connect back with not only improving the environment but also improving interpersonal connections as well. The purpose of this blog is to look at why people start community gardens and the potential group and personal benefits that could result from participating in such an initiative.

The community gardening concept developed in the 1970s through grassroots initiatives to improve community morale, encourage self-reliance and work, dispel social tensions, and have positive soul and body results (Wang, 2006). Similar gardens served other purposes prior to this time such as addressing unemployment concerns and food scarcity in a time before food stamps were offered to those who needed them (Wang, 2006). Something that was first intended to support political concerns seemingly had a wider impact throughout the community in ways that would be interesting for social activists and psychologists alike. Today and for many years now, community gardens have served as an empowering force in society for both their food production and environmental impacts as well as their positive interpersonal and individual well-being benefits.

As mentioned previously, I have been able to see second-hand the individual impacts of working in a community garden. My sister moved to Colorado in 2016 to pursue her education. Following her graduation, she found herself longing for a sense of community to replace what she might have lost when she left the school. She found herself getting involved in a community garden, and while the work was nothing short of hard, she found that it had many positive effects on her mood and well-being. She experienced most if not all of the positive benefits typically found in those who partake in regular community gardening such as increased social ties, lower stress levels, and improved self-efficacy. She was able to connect with other members of the community that she might not have had the opportunity to know otherwise, found peace in the process of gardening, and felt more confident in herself after putting herself out there to join the cause and help take care of the garden. This was my first experience with a community garden and intrigued me to pursue learning more about community gardens and their impact.

The purpose of community gardens is to “build community, foster social and environmental justice, eliminate hunger, empower communities, break down racial and ethnic barriers, provide adequate health and nutrition, reduce crime, improve housing, promote and enhance education, and otherwise create sustainable communities” (Wang, 2006). This certainly aligns with our lesson on Participatory Action Research (PAR) as they both aim to assist those in underrepresented or oppressed communities and directly provide them with tools to assist their situation and create positive social change. These community gardens have a long-standing history in the political benefits for urban areas and the overall well-being benefits are still being researched and monitored as they continue to be used to foster positive social change and interconnectedness.

References

Brydon-Miller, M. (1997). Participatory action research: Psychology and social change. Journal of Social Issues. Retrieved from https://spssi-onlinelibrary-wiley-com.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/doi/epdf/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1997.tb02454.x

Wang, D. (2006). A study of community gardens as catalysts for positive social change. University of Chicago Environmental Studies Program. Retrieved from https://www.csu.edu/cerc/documents/CommunityGardensasCatalystsPositiveSocialChange.pdf


20
Nov 23

Big Tabacco and Activist Research

One of the most well-known activist research done is from the dairy business; however, the most sinister research comes from the tobacco industry. Activist research sits in between participatory research and self-interest. This is because the researcher thrusts themselves into the world of which they are studying, while also pushing certain values into their research. (Nelson, 2023). We can see this type of research-development-marketing in almost any field or industry, such as meat and dairy, pharmaceuticals, and the wellness market. 

Large companies, even today, hire their own researchers for their products, campaigns or projects. While acquiring research helps create legitimacy for the company and determine need, it also comes with issues of intent. Throughout the early 1900’s tobacco was marketed as healthy. Doctors, nurses, and even dentists promoted the products and there were no questions until the late 1950’s. By then smoking was becoming associated with lung, throat and mouth cancer and there was compiling evidence to prove it. The tobacco industry was scrambling to fix the public’s hysteria that had ensued after this information came out. The idea came about that they would lean in towards the skeptics of the smoking-cancer hysteria, with their own evidence so doubt was created in the general public. This is when the tobacco company research committee emerged. The tobacco industry had major control over what was research, how it was interpreted and how it was translated to the public.

The entire research committee that was made was a complete conflict of interest, and there was motivation to put out what was needed to be heard from the tobacco industry because researchers were being paid and employed by them. Although the researchers had an ethical obligation, they were limited on what they could research and how it could be said, to ensure that the tobacco industry remained in the clear of more accusations of health risks. This is one of the first activist research that showed the sneaky strategies of these large industries. 

 

Work Cited:

Brandt AM. Inventing conflicts of interest: a history of tobacco industry tactics. Am J Public Health. 2012 Jan;102(1):63-71. doi: 10.2105/AJPH.2011.300292. Epub 2011 Nov 28. PMID: 22095331; PMCID: PMC3490543.

Nelson, A. (2023). Lesson Overview: Activist research. Canvas. https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2283102/modules/items/38851166


17
Nov 23

It Takes Two to Make One

Fertility is a common discussion that many people have to face at some points in their life. Many couples try to have a baby and do so with ease, others struggle a little more. There are several factors that contribute to infertility and fertility struggles. Some may think since the female grows the baby, that would imply that the fertility would be solely dependent on the female but this is not the case. Therefore, the male should show interest in investigating the problem influencing fertility and the female should support this. This essay will discuss fertility and participatory research in males.

According to the readings, “Participatory (or sometimes action) research is when the researchers are a part of the community or other social situation and are vested in trying to learn something about an issue in that community.” (Psu, 2023). It is common to see the female in a relationship trying to conceive seeking help when needed for fertility but conceiving is based on both partners in the relationship. The question remains then, why are there far more females in fertility studies than men? Information that are pertaining to male fertility is vital to further research and develop better strategies to reduce infertility. This is why male participation in this research is important. We will now discuss why this discrepancy may occur and what can happen with this research.

According to the article, A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Male Participation in Fertility Research, “Male and female participants perceived that fertility is a women’s health issue and is a difficult topic for men to discuss. Men expressed fears of infertility tied to masculinity.” (Harlow et al.,2020). These results can suggest why the data on male and female fertility is not equal. If women feel that the issue is not a male problem because of their biological roots then why would males feel inclined to participate if they feel like they cannot help? This could be due to cultural or societal beliefs. Furthermore, the other issue found in this study of men feeling uncomfortable because they fear it will negatively impact their own self perception can definitely deter willing participation in data. We can see how both genders can contribute to this discrepancy in data. However, “Results suggest that more education and health communication on male fertility and reproductive health could help increase male participation in reproductive health research.” (Harlow et al.,2020).

In conclusion, we can now visualize how male participatory research in fertility is a multi-faceted issue. There are many contributing factors to this that involve not only men but also women. Societal and Cultural beliefs, fears and more can contribute to this issue. Therefore, it would be safe to conclude that the education of infertility as a whole is needed. Men should be able to feel normal coming into a space such as a fertility clinic without fear or stigma. Women should be able to be supported by their partners on their journey to pregnancy. These goals can hopefully be achieved through awareness and lead to change. Male fertility research is vital and studies suggest an increase in willingness to participate through education and awareness.

References

Harlow, A. F., Zheng, A., Nordberg, J., Hatch, E. E., Ransbotham, S., & Wise, L. A. (2020). A qualitative study of factors influencing male participation in fertility research. Reproductive health17(1), 186. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12978-020-01046-y

Psu. Lesson Overview. Penn State. https://psu.instructure.com/courses/2283102/modules/items/38851166


16
Nov 23

Community-Based Participatory Research and Mental Health

The acceptance and research on mental health has greatly increased over even just the past few years. In the year of 2021, roughly 22.8% of the U.S population has suffered from a mental illness. Now if that percent seems low we can put into how many people that percent represents, which is 57.8 million people in the United States. What better way to address and study mental health than to have those who have lived through it themselves be a part of the research.

Now, there have been multiple studies done where those who have suffered from any mental health illness have been participants in research, but rarely have they been co-researchers in the research process ( Vescey et al., 2022). Being able to participate in PAR you must have knowledge in the area, and who has more knowledge than those who have lived through it themselves. Allowing those who have suffered or are currently being affected by a mental illness can allow their voices to be heard, give them a purpose, or even learn new strategies along the way. They can also give great insight into new interventions to help the community as they know what did and did not work for them personally. Although there is still a huge stigma around mental health and there might be some questioning of if someone who is currently being affected by mental health, how reliable they may be. No matter what or who, they can still be of benefit especially if there are accommodations made for their needs. They can be vital members to community-based participatory research ( Corrigan, 2022).

References:

Corrigan, P. (2022, January 28). Involving people with mental illness in research important to addressing social determinants of health. Psychiatric News. https://psychnews.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.pn.2022.2.32

n.a, N. A. on M. I. (2023). Mental health by the numbers. NAMI. https://www.nami.org/mhstats#:~:text=Across%20the%20country%2C%20many%20people,2021%20(14.1%20million%20people).

Vescey, L., Yoon, J., Rice, K., Group, M. of P., Davidson, L., & Desai, M. (2022, December 5). A return to lived experiencers themselves: Participatory action research of and by Psychosocial Clubhouse members. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.962137/full

 


16
Nov 23

Giving Voice to the Voiceless: A Paradigm Shift in Animal Welfare through Participatory Action Research

Action research, at its core, is a transformative methodology that seeks to bridge the gap between theory and practice by actively involving participants in the research process. It evolved out of disillusionment with the traditional positivist research model (Brydon-Miller, 1997) and  emp sizes collaboration, empowerment, and real-world social change. Within this realm, Participatory Action Research (PAR) stands out, striving to holistically comprehend social situations and instigate change through collaboration between researchers, participants, and communities (Cornish et al., 2023). PAR has been a useful tool for addressing issues of systemic inequalities and empowering marginalized communities, such as during the U.S. Civil Rights Movement and facilitating mental health programs for Australian Aboriginals (Tsey et al., 2004). 

PAR’s steadfast commitment to honoring diverse ways of knowing, coupled with its rejection of prioritizing the researcher over participants, prompts a profound question: Can PAR extend beyond human entities?

Historically, animal subjugation has long-been justified through science and Judeo-Christian decrees that argue for the absolute difference between humans and other creatures. These divisions often hinge on three primary contentions: the impossibility of intersubjectivity, lack of subjectivity, and absence of spoken language (Merskin, 2010). It is worth noting that these same arguments maintained grounds for the mistreatment of indigenous and mentally handicapped people (2004). The assumption of human superiority has driven much of our scientific inquiry. However, trans-species psychology challenges these narratives, asserting that animals, like humans, share commonalities in cognition and emotion conserved through evolution that evinces their sentience. It explores the psychological experiences, behaviors, and needs of animals beyond traditional behaviorism and considers them as individuals with subjective lives and emotions (Bradshaw, 2010). The shift in our scientific understanding and acceptance of animals as complex beings akin to ourselves is evident in contemporary zoos, which now recognize the psychological needs of animals. This paradigm restructuring challenges the ethical implications of poor animal welfare under human guardianship and underscores that animals deserve a place in the discourse on social change.

Trans-species psychology, coupled with PAR, provides a potential avenue to amplify the voices of animals (Merskin, 2010). However, implementing PAR necessitates adapting human-centric methodologies to accommodate the unique characteristics, behaviors, and communication methods of different species. Modern research is gradually acknowledging that animals possess unique cultural and contextual aspects to their communication that are not easily translatable into human terms. Many species, especially highly social animals like dolphins and primates, exhibit complex communication systems specific to their species. Attempting to interpret their behavior solely through an anthropocentric lens will inevitably distort our understanding. The language barrier between humans and other animals is a prominent challenge, and this is where ethology becomes fundamental to the PAR approach (Bradshaw, 2010). 

Ethology is the study of animal behavior with a particular focus on the observation and analysis of how animals interact with each other and their environment (Immelmann, 1980). It has already enriched our understanding of the social lives of species such as chimpanzees through the work of Jane Goodall. Keen and immersive observation of animal behaviors, social structures, and communication methods in natural environments must occur to grasp the intricacies of animal communities. Collaboration with experts and advocates, including animal caretakers with extensive field experience, will contribute to project insights. Innovative technologies, such as touchscreens for interactive communication, have shown promise and may be further instrumental in a PAR approach. Ethical considerations, rooted in respecting animal autonomy and natural behaviors, underpin the entire PAR process and evaluation metrics would diverge from typical human criteria to focus on behavioral changes and improved well-being. In this way, PAR on animals offers a novel avenue to deepen our understanding, enhance their welfare, and contribute to conservation efforts.

While the information within this blog may seem “crazy” or “over-anthropomorphizing,” PAR research remains open to equalizing all life on Earth. A reductionist science that draws distinct lines between species is complicit in the destruction of the natural world (Merskin, 2010, p.153). Animals having poor welfare under human guardianship does not bode well for the future of our world, as it reflects a continued collective passivity and apathy towards fellow organisms and environments. Indifference is a luxury we cannot afford. As our history unfolds in the Anthropocene era, marked by humanity’s profound influence on the planet since the Industrial Revolution (Rafferty, 2020), adopting a new mode of thinking about the creatures we share Earth with becomes imperative for our continued existence as a species.

Citations

Bradshaw, G. (2010). You see me, but do you hear me? The science and sensibility of trans-species dialogue. Feminism & Psychology, 20(3), 407-419. https://doi-org.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/10.1177/0959353510368285

Brydon-Miller, M. (1997). Participatory Action Research: Psychology and Social Change. Journal of Social Issues, 53(4). 657-666.

Cornish, F., Breton, N., Moreno-Tabarez, U. et al. (2023) Participatory action research. Nat Rev Methods Primers 3,34 . https://doi.org/10.1038/s43586-023-00214-1

Immelmann, K. (1980). Introduction to ethology. In Springer eBooks. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4684-1054-9

Merskin, D. (2010). Hearing voices: The promise of participatory action research for animals. Action Research, 9(2), 144–161. https://doi.org/10.1177/1476750310388050

Rafferty, J. P. (2020, March 28). Anthropocene Epoch | Definition & Evidence. Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved September 2, 2022, from https://www.britannica.com/science/Anthropocene-Epoch

Tsey, K., Patterson, D., Whiteside, M., Baird, L., Baird, B. C., & Tsey, K. (2004). A microanalysis of a participatory action research process with a rural Aboriginal men’s health group. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 10(1), 64. https://doi.org/10.1071/py04009

 


16
Nov 23

Social Change and Participatory Research as the Great Duo

Social change is a powerful force that drives progress and transformation in society. Throughout my life I have seen how social change has impacted so many movements or changes. For example, a study conducted by Oxfam found that participatory approaches to social change, such as community-led initiatives, have been effective in addressing poverty and inequality in various contexts around the world (Oxfam, 2019). By actively involving communities in decision-making processes, these initiatives have led to more sustainable and impactful outcomes. I myself have been in community groups that involved making changes in my community and helping ones in need due to coming from a lower income community.

Now what is Participatory research? well it has been shown to generate contextually relevant and meaningful findings. While doing research  I found a study published in the Journal of Community Psychology found that participatory research projects conducted with marginalized communities have provided unique insights into their experiences and needs (Minkler et al., 2018). By them involving community members as co-researchers, the study found that the research outcomes had a better impact on policy and practice, which lead to positive social change.The collaborative and empowering nature of participatory research can lead to sustainable social change. Research published in the American Journal of Community Psychology highlighted the benefits of participatory research for community mobilization and advocacy (Israel et al., 2018). The review found that participatory research projects have empowered marginalized groups to assert their rights and challenge systemic inequalities, resulting in long-lasting change. This comes to show how participatory research has helped a lot when it comes to social change.

Participatory research has been recognized as a powerful tool for social change by leading organizations. The World Health Organization (WHO) advocates for the use of participatory research in addressing health disparities and promoting health equity (WHO, 2020). According to the WHO, participatory research approaches have been successful in engaging communities and fostering sustainable solutions to health challenges, highlighting the potential of this method to drive social change. This is great because it allows people from communities to be heard especially when it comes to important things such as health disparities. By participatory research it helps the people doing research get the proper information that they need and they have the exact people they are trying to find research on participate.

In conclusion, social change is a powerful force that drives progress and transformation in society. Participatory approaches to social change, such as community-led initiatives, have been effective in addressing poverty and inequality. Actively involving communities in decision-making processes leads to more sustainable and impactful outcomes. This collaborative and empowering approach empowers marginalized groups to challenge systemic inequalities and assert their rights, resulting in long-lasting change.I was also able to recognize how participatory research is  a powerful tool for social change in World Health Organization advocates when they address health disparities and promote health equity. By engaging communities and fostering sustainable solutions, participatory research drives social change by ensuring that the voices and experiences of those directly affected are heard and valued.

References:
– Israel, B. A., et al. (2018). Review of community-based research: Assessing partnership approaches to improve public health. American Journal of Community Psychology, 51(1-=32, 3-21.

Minkler, M., et al. (2018). Participatory research for health equity: Evidence and strategies for effective engagement. Journal of Community Psychology, 46(7), 909-924.

Oxfam. (2019). Participatory approaches: What works? Retrieved from https://www.oxfam.org/en/research/participatory-approaches-what-works

World Health Organization. (2020). Knowledge, evidence and learning for development (K4D) helpdesk report: Participatory research in health. Retrieved from https://www.gov.uk/dfid-research-outputs/knowledge-evidence-and-learning-for-development-k4d-helpdesk-report-participatory-research-in-health


16
Nov 23

What is the Color Pink to You?

When thinking about social change, I immediately think of the color pink.

But what is social change? It is the evolution in this blog on behaviors and thoughts. A whole shift in attitudes, practices, and policies in a community, but for this discussion, a Country. Social change was done with the affiliation of the color pink.

Why, though, of all colors pink?

Well in the Philippines 2022 elections on October 7 2022, the color pink was the sign of hope; it is the color of the groundswell of an individual’s volunteers’. Pink was the campaign color for a potential candidate’s stance against the other color red. There were two contestants running head-on-head.

The first contestant is Leni Robredo. The vision is to “free” the nation from its hardships and challenges, especially during the pandemic, help the less fortunate by creating “Angat Buhay”(Lifting Life), a social campaign and to promote human rights and end the “culture of violence”; which relates to the Rodrigo Duterte mission of killing all drug users and lords. Besides that, she is a figure to help end domestic abuse. She is a symbol to empower women to be financially independent to avoid abusive relationships and environments if the woman feels trapped. With that in mind, the emphasize of the importance of education is highlighted in her campaign. Social action demonstrates bringing awareness to particular issues to create change (Gruman et al., 2016), which is what Leni Robredo was and is doing today.

The next candidate comes from a controversial family with a dark and rich background. As the former dictator, Ferdinand Marcos comes his son, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., who was mainly against Leni Robredo in the 2022 elections. His primary focus was to unify the country and with the support and popularity of his vice president comrade Sarah Duterte, daughter of the previous president Rodrigo Duterte. In addition, with the help of social media, he beat the pink movement’s popularity. He says, “judge me not by my ancestors, but by my actions.” He gained the title of president on June 30, 2022, as he won by a landslide in May 2022.

Despite the loss of Leni Robredo, the color pink still holds to be the color of social change in the Philippines. “The spirit of the campaign should never die out, “she said last May 13, 2022, as she formed a non-governmental organization, “Angat Buhay NGO”. Hundreds of volunteers were eager to help out the runner-up presidential candidate. This week’s lesson in participatory action research shows that her vision of helping people still lives on even if she did not take the place of the head of the Philippines, as her supporters are committed to working with many communities for a positive social change to put our psychology to work in support to their political values (Brydon‐Miller, 1997).

Resources:


15
Nov 23

The Watchers vs The Watched: How science is made better through empowerment

Growing up, we base our ideas of science and scientists on what we see in the media we consume. For me, being a scientist meant either digging up dinosaur bones or conducting psychic experiments in the basement of Columbia University. Then, when the University grew tired of their antics, a real scientist would buy an old run-down fire station, develop nuclear reactors that they could wear on their back, bust some ghosts, and save New York City.

As you grow older, your ideas of what a scientist is changes. You begin to see the scientist as an objective observer. One who conducts experiments on others, and watches to see what happens. Then, after evaluating what they see, a real scientist makes changes to their study to see just how miserable they can make their subject.

Everyone’s idea of what a scientist is differs, but the root of the belief is that the scientist is meant to be separated from their subjects. They are detached. They are aloof. Like gods playing with their creations just to see what happens. Like the Hebrew god and his adversary making a wager with each other, then taking away Job’s blessings to test the nature of his devotion and faith. The Science Council’s definition of a “scientist” leans into the detached and “other-ness” of scientists. They state on their website that: “A scientist is someone who systematically gathers and uses research and evidence, to make hypotheses and test them, to gain and share understanding and knowledge.” (The Science Council, 2020) This definition clearly draws a line in the sand between the scientist and their subjects. The subjects or phenomenon are there to be observed, and the main goal of the scientist is to gather and use the information that results from their research. It places the scientist above the thing they are studying.

Not everyone in the scientific world agrees that the researcher, and those being researched, should be separated, and detached from each other. Paulo Freire, a Brazilian educator, believed that the researcher and the researched were equal and active participants in the research process (Freire, 1970). He believed that the research process was a two-way street. He was teaching something to those he was researching, and they were returning the favor by teaching him something back. He was a champion for those he was researching, believing that the only way to truly combat the social and economic inequalities of his research subjects was to fully empower and include them in the process (Freire, 1970).

Freire’s work was revolutionary for many reasons, but its greatest contribution was to the creation of the concept of Participatory Action Research. This type of research declares that people have the universal right to participate in the generation and expansion of knowledge (Brydon-Miller, 1997).

Through this participation in the process, researchers and those being researched can help facilitate personal and social transformation. One PAR study asked both mental health providers and those seeking help for mental health issues to define recovery, then shared the results with both groups so that there could be a better understanding of treatment goals (Rempfer & Knott, 2012). It’s a collaboration between all parties involved.

Another PAR study used community members in a rural Australian Aboriginal village as researchers, empowering them to identify the main issues affecting their lives and giving them the resources they determined that they needed in order to take action to improve their circumstances (Tsey et al., 2004). Instead of someone observing and determining what this oppressed group needed, researchers gave the people in the community the power to determine what they needed. This cooperation is what makes PAR such a valuable and powerful tool to help create social change.

So, the next time you imagine a psychologist or a scientist, think of Paolo Freire and the other pioneers of Participatory Action Research. Instead of a stuffy old man in a white coat making notes on a clipboard (or, parapsychologists shocking people in the basement of Columbia University because they couldn’t correctly guess the symbol on a card), think about the studies where those being researched were empowered and included in the research process. If we are truly serious about creating positive social change, then Participatory Action Research methods should be explored.

 

References:

Brydon-Miller, M. (1997). Participatory action research: Psychology and social change. Journal of Social Issues, 53(4), 657–666. https://doi.org/10.1111/0022-4537.00042

Freire, P. (1970). Pedagogy of the oppressed. New York: Continuum.

Our definition of a scientist. The Science Council. (2020, March 3). https://sciencecouncil.org/about-science/our-definition-of-a-scientist/#:~:text=A%20scientist%20is%20someone%20who,or%20data%20(data%20scientists).

Rempfer, M., & Knott, J. (2012). Participatory action research: A model for establishing partnerships between mental health researchers and persons with psychiatric disabilities. Recovery and Wellness, 157–171. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203049457-13

Tsey, K., Patterson, D., Whiteside, M., Baird, L., Baird, B., & Tsey, K. (2004). A microanalysis of a participatory action research process with a rural Aboriginal men’s Health Group. Australian Journal of Primary Health, 10(1), 64. https://doi.org/10.1071/py04009


15
Nov 23

Revitalizing Flint: A Participatory Action Research Approach to Urban Renewal

Participatory Action Research (PAR) is a unique research approach that involves the researchers being part of the community or social situation they are studying. This method allows for a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and the development of more effective interventions. A prime example of PAR in action is the urban revitalization project in Flint, Michigan, USA.

Once a thriving industrial hub, Flint had been facing economic decline and urban decay for several years. The city, known for its automobile manufacturing history, was grappling with numerous challenges, including job loss, population decline, and deteriorating infrastructure. A group of researchers, city planners, and residents collaborated on a PAR project to revitalize the city’s urban spaces. The researchers, who were city residents, were deeply invested in the project. They started by conducting surveys and interviews to understand the community’s needs and aspirations for their urban spaces. They also organized community meetings and workshops to involve as many residents as possible in the planning process.

Based on the insights gained, the team developed a comprehensive plan for urban revitalization. This included creating green spaces, improving public transportation, and developing affordable housing. The plan was then presented to the city council and, upon approval, was implemented with the active participation of the community.

Throughout the process, the researchers continuously monitored the interventions’ progress and impact, making necessary adjustments based on community feedback and observed outcomes. This iterative process is crucial to PAR, ensuring the interventions remain relevant and practical.

The project led to physical improvements in the city’s urban spaces and helped foster a sense of community and empowerment among the residents. By actively involving the community in the research process, the researchers could develop and implement solutions tailored to the community’s needs and have the community’s buy-in, thereby increasing the likelihood of success. This case study illustrates the power of Participatory Action Research in action. It shows how PAR can effect positive societal change, providing a practical, hands-on approach to solving real-world problems. By combining rigorous scientific methods with a deep understanding of the community’s needs, PAR offers a promising approach to tackling complex social issues and fostering sustainable development.

 

References:

: Brydon-Miller, M. (1997). Participatory Action Research: Psychology and Social Change. Journal of Social Issues, 53(4), 657-666.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Imagine Flint Sets the Stage to Move the City Forward. Retrieved from https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr_edge_featd_article_022414.html

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (n.d.). Cultivating Vital, High Opportunity Places Flint, MI: Master Plan for a Sustainable Flint. Retrieved From https://www.hud.gov/sites/documents/FLINTCASESTUDY.PDF


14
Nov 23

Participatory Research and Education Reform

“Nothing about us without us” first became a mantra of activists in support of disability rights (Wilson et al, 2022). It has since become adopted by D-Justice advocates for education justice in Detroit (Wilson et al, 2022). This mantra succinctly sums up the goals of participatory research and societal change. Participatory research and societal change involves community members actively being involved in gathering information and making decisions about making positive changes in their community (Brydun-Miller, 1997).

D-Justice was started in response to the profit driven direction that Detroit has taken towards education (Wilson et al, 2022). As a result, the majority of schools in Detroit are charter schools which are granted more autonomy than public schools (). Although the reason cited for the closing of public schools is low test scores, the charter schools have not outperformed the public schools. The loss of funding and availability of public schools in Detroit has disproportionately affected people of color (Wilson et al, 2022).

D-Justice used interviews with members of the community regarding their experiences including their positive and negative perceptions regarding the state of their community and feelings of being ostracized throughout their schooling (Wilson et al, 2022). Sharing these thoughts and feelings helped to cement the feeling of connectedness and community. This participatory research approach has increased the participants sense of empowerment (Wilson et al, 2022).

D-Justice is an excellent example of how participatory research seeks to positively influence societal change. Community engagement, review, and revision are the cornerstones of participatory research (Brydun-Miller, 1997). D-Justice employed all of these in its pursuit of educational research.

 

References

Wilson, C. M., Nickson, D., Hetrick, C., & Wilson-Clark, D. (2023). “Nothing about us without us”: Tending to emancipatory ideologies and transformative goals in participatory action research partnerships. Qualitative Research, 23(5), 1319-1341. https://doi-org.ezaccess.libraries.psu.edu/10.1177/14687941221087869

Brydon-Miller, M. (1997). Participatory Action Research: Psychology and Social Change. Journal of Social Issues53(4), 657–666. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1540-4560.1997.tb02454.x

 


14
Nov 23

I’m Not a Real Man, Because Women Are Awful: Incel Pessimism and Misogyny

In the mind of an involuntary celibate, being physically attractive is what gets everything for you. By everything, they mean women, money, status, and social power. “Lookism” is what this is referred as, the belief that a good life is given to those who are physically attractive (Halpin, 2022, p. 814). Incels are primarily made up of an online community of men who believe themselves unable to attract women for sex or a relationship (Halpin, 2022, pp. 813-814). This has resulted into misogyny, pushing of toxic-masculine ideals, and even self-loathing while encouraging and perpetuating violence against women (Halpin, 2022, p. 814). These beliefs and values held by incels has also been linked to numerous mass murders (Halpin, 2022, p. 814). This ideology is based on the pessimistic self-loathing of individuals who have developed a hatred for women based on their perceptions from society.

Incels have developed a loathed sense of self that makes them too subordinate to be powerful, but far too misogynistic to be subordinate, specifically subordinate of women (Halpin, 2022, p. 814). This makes their masculinity that is presented as a man of no credit that justifies his subjugation of women and overall misogyny (Halpin, 2022, p. 814). The incel community espouses sexism, and violence towards women, while also endorsing the ideology around men’s rights and criticizing feminism (Halpin, 2022, p. 814). They do not allow the discussion of romantic or sexual experiences, nor any gay or trans content (Halpin, 2022, p. 815). Halpin (2022) uses hegemonic masculinity and subordinate masculinity to define the dual masculine identities that define Incels (pp. 815-816). Hegemonic masculinity is defined using practices that uphold the subjugation of women by sanctioning patriarchal values (Halpin, 2022, p. 815). Subordinate masculinity focuses on stigmatized practices of masculinity that are socially degraded by authority, specifically toxic-masculine authority (Halpin, 2022, pp. 815-816). By putting themselves in a position that perceives them as “victims of feminism”, incels appear as the subordinate masculine type, while holding power over and subjugating women with hegemonic masculinity and enjoying the advantages of patriarchy (Halpin, 2022, p. 816).

Incels are under the belief that women seek men who are physically attractive and of higher status, which make women shallow and uninterested in them due to not having those qualities. They also believe that the only reason women would even consider the unattractive man would be if they held high status or who were able to financially provide for them. Regardless of how “committed” unattractive men are to women, the more attractive, potentially abusive man will be chosen. The incel defines physical attractiveness and high socio-economic status as the only preferences for women.

In research from Kreuzberg (2018) incels perception of women’s preferences do not line-up with actual mate preferences of women (p. 13). While incels believe that women only value physical appearance and social status, women prefer interpersonal skills and emotional commitment in long term relationships (Kreuzberg, 2020, p.13). Women tend to go after looks for short term mates, but not for long-term relationships (Kreuzberg, 2020, p.13). Women hold more value to emotional stability and dependability of their relationships over sexual desire, contradicting the incel notion that “good guys do not get women” (Kreuzberg, 2020, p.13).

Incels utilize subordinate masculinity with attributes that are internal (their unattractiveness and lack of status), stable (women’s attraction towards attractive, high-status men), and global, while utilizing hegemonic masculinity with attributes that are external (feminism), unstable (only status can lift the unattractive), and specific (gaining more power over women). The attributes fall in line with the attributes of a pessimist. The incels pessimism is where their toxicity and misogyny derive from. It is also why incels are easily manipulated by influencers who “speak their language” and educate them in the ways of attractiveness, which is essentially blatant patriarchy. As we allow these communities to form and grow, we also increase the risk for women and LGPTQ+ members. Diminishing the power and spread of incel propaganda from social media influencers and disrupting patriarchal institutions that allow for these beliefs to develop are essential to disrupt incel communities.

References

Halpin, M. (2022). Weaponized Subordination: How Incels discredit themselves to degrade women. Gender & Society, 36(6), 813–837. https://doi.org/10.1177/08912432221128545

Kreuzberg, M. S. (2020). Perceived Motives and Mental Health Characteristics of the Incel Men: What Incel men think Women value in a Mate vs. Women’s actual Mate Preference [Bachelor Thesis Positive Psychology & Technology]. University of Twente.


13
Nov 23

Health Benefits of Optimism

Is the glass half empty or half full? Do you see the world through rose-colored lenses or tinted in a fog of cynicism? Do you have a general idea that good things will happen to you if you let them? Would you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist? I believe each of us can fall to either side of the spectrum depending on the circumstances and situation, though in general, we tend to lean more one way or the other. Personally, I would consider myself to be an optimist with some pessimistic tendencies, having the consensus that everything will work out in my favor and nothing is truly as bad as it might seem in the here and now, though I might share differently if you ask me before my cup of coffee. My caffeine addiction aside, why is the topic of optimism and pessimism important to consider? Well, it might just be the difference between life and death…

Pessimism is related to negative outcome expectancies, where individuals doubt their ability to attain a desired goal (Gruman et al., 2017). They tend to be more likely to quit when faced with an obstacle rather than persevere to find a solution. A pessimist will most likely view the world and negative circumstances as a direct result of themselves and have the notion that the circumstance will be long-lasting and hardly if at all improve (“Optimism”, 2008). In studies, these individuals were found to be more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease with frequent re-hospitalizations, develop high blood pressure, and even die sooner than their optimistic counterparts (“Optimism”, 2008). Pessimists are less likely to engage in the positive health behaviors seen in optimists, probably because they do not see a positive future for themselves in general. If you truly believe that you have no control over your life and bad things will happen to you regardless of the actions you take, why would you take part in positive health behaviors or spend a significant amount of time working toward your goals?

Optimism refers to the idea that good things tend to and are very likely to happen (Gruman et al., 2017). It is typically associated with positive outcome expectancies that assist in goal-setting and attainment as optimists tend to set desirable goals that have incentive values for the individual (Gruman et al., 2017). These individuals are more likely to abstain from smoking, partake in regular exercise, have stronger social networks, have a stable spouse, and follow medical advice (“Optimism”, 2008). In measuring optimism over 30 years, it was linked to improved mental and physical health compared to pessimism (“Optimism”, 2008). The glass-half-full concept seems to be more than just a concept of volume. A positive life outlook could lead to an actual positive life. While it is not fool-proof, of course, disease and other uncontrollable circumstances can always arise, but even then, having a positive outlook has been linked with better recovery in fighting against infections (“Optimism”, 2008). The proof is in the pudding: optimism has been linked to more positive life outcomes, so why would not everyone hop on the optimism train?

Changing one’s entire outlook on life is a daunting challenge, but clearly, one that might be attractive to any pessimists who value their well-being or might be interested in a better way of life. Attribution retraining interventions are coaching exercises that rework pessimistic causal attributions to turn them into optimistic attributions (Gruman et al., 2017). It has been used to prevent depression and improve academic and professional performance, familial and intimate relationships, and motivation (Gruman et al., 2017). A pessimistic explanatory style is where one tends to accept negative events as a result of their own doing that is generally unfixable or changeable. When a negative event occurs to someone with an optimistic explanatory style, they tend to find reasons in the environment that are one-off or adaptable, offering improvement for the next time (Gruman et al., 2017). An individual is not tied to a life of pessimism, destined to find an early death at the hands of high blood pressure. There are exercises and resources available to help rewire one’s explanatory style and improve their overall well-being, one just has to seek them. Considering the health benefits of being an optimist and the possible consequences of a cycle of negative thinking, it would be imperative that one does if one finds oneself in a consistent pessimistic headspace.

References

Gruman, J., Schneider, F., & Coutts, L. (2017). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. Sage.

Optimism and your health. (2008). Harvard Health Publishing School. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/optimism-and-your-health


10
Nov 23

Relationships and Long Distance Relationships

Relationships typically are between two individuals with an emotional and physical bond that has mutual understanding and similarities that connect the two to each other.

Before in my mom and dad’s time, they met in university. My dad approached my mom, and the first words he said to her was, “So when are we getting married.” It was a straightforward approach, I would say, but it worked! That type of meeting is still seen today; however, there is a new online dating method. Online, usually, the first thing you notice is the profile photo of the individual, which is a form of primacy effect, a tendency that would influence a person’s thoughts that are initially presented. Online physical attractiveness is a person’s first impression of those on the other end of the screen. Still, it looks to extend more than the importance of an individual’s physical appearance in relationships. It extends to various aspects of interaction and social dynamics.
For this post, we will focus on online dating, where the first impressions are made from photos, bios, prompts, and likes; there are times when people find themselves liking others abroad or who are miles away from their location.

In long-distance relationships (LDR), you must be secure and trust your partner. What makes people drawn into a person sometimes dismisses where they are. Like a typical relationship, there is an emotional bond, mutual understanding, and similarities but a lack of physical connection (Gruman et al., 2016). The attachment style that was thought of immediately by Bartholomew is the first attachment: secure, trusting, comfortable with closeness and able to find a way to navigate interdependence (Gruman et al., 2016).

Communication is vital for this LDR to be successful. Though LDR has a new set of challenges with the absence of physical proximity, which is the tendency for physical and psychological nearness to increase interpersonal liking (Gruman et al., 2016), people in LDR make up more emotional depth and closeness to create a strong bond, to comprise the lack of physical closeness the relationship lacks(Gruman et al., 2016).

A study found that most people saw that geographically close relationships are ideal, as LDR is not the preferred circumstance for others (Maucione, 2023). The takeaway is that the ideal relationship can differ for many people, but the most common factor is communication, trust, commitment and emotional bond. Love can happen in my head from near or far, but that might just be me.

Resources:

-Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://bookshelf.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968

Maucione, K. (2023). Perceptions of Long Distance Relationships Perceptions of Long Distance Relationships.https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=4720&context=honors_theses


09
Nov 23

Attachment Styles and Attraction

Have you ever wondered, ‘why am I attracting the same types of people over and over again, even though I know it doesn’t work out?’ Part of the answer may lie in our own attachment style. Before we dive into how these things can be correlated, let’s first give a run down on what attachment styles are. An attachment style is what can be used to describe the emotional bond and connection that starts in early childhood between the infant and the primary caregiver (Rabinowitz, 2023).  There are 3 different attachment styles introduced by John Bowlby and later on Mary Ainsworth, they are best known as secure, insecure-anxious, and insecure- avoidants. I will now break down each one and then dig a little into how our attachment styles could be leading us to the people we are attracted to.

A secure attachment style stemmed from childhood in the way that your primary caregiver was able to be responsive to your needs, you could rely on them majority of the time due to their nurturing and loving manner and this was shown inside of the home. This as a result leads you as a person to be trusting , have a secure and authentic connection with others without feeling threatened (Rabinowitz, 2023). As a person you also learned how to healthily regulate your emotions and can address your feelings. In return if you have a secure attachment style, you are more likely to also pick a securely attached partner.

Having an insecure anxious attachment style means that in your childhood your primary caregiver was inconsistent in meeting your needs. They were more often than not busy with other things and people, leaving you feeling unsure if they would be able to care for you. As a result of this the person in a relationship could be more clingy, moody, and anxious and could always be needing reassurance from the other in fear of being abandoned or rejected (Rabinowitz, 2023). Feeling a push-pull dynamic in a relationship (“i want to be close to you, but I don’t want to be close to you”) could mean you or the other person is an insecure anxious partner.

Lastly we have insecure avoidant, this is where the person might have grown up in a home where they didn’t receive a lot of attention and when there was attention it was more focused on achievements such as school or sports, rather than emotional connection (Rabinowitz, 2023). Insecure avoidants as children learned to be independent and how to take care of themselves. As adults an insecure avoidant needs to be independent, they like spending time alone, they are self reliant and have difficulty asking help from others. This can affect relationships in the way that they struggle with intimacy, closeness, and expressing emotions.

The age old question, “do opposites attract?” well, they do..initially. Overtime though the clash on opposing sides can be too big and ultimately lead to the demise of the relationship. So why are we attracted to certain people and maybe they even all have the same attachment style? Well, it all stems back to our childhood once again. Certain kinds of people or just anyone in general that we are attracted to somehow in some way triggers a core memory wound (Rabinowitz, 2023).

So, after exploring what each attachment style is ,are we starting to look inward a little more and questioning the behaviors you may exhibit or the person you are with is exhibiting? Now, although the secure attachment style is obviously the one we want to strive for, if you or your partner are not there yet this does not mean throw in the towel or that you will forever be the way you are. Recognizing why these behaviors are occurring is the first step to get you to where you want to be.

Reference:

Rabinowitz, L. (2023, June 8). Why are different attachment styles attracted to each other (even when it causes stress in the relationship). Rabinowitz Counseling. https://counselorforcouples.com/why-are-different-attachment-styles-attracted-to-each-other-even-when-it-causes-stress-in-the-relationship/#:~:text=As%20an%20adult%2C%20they%20shape,it%20is%20familiar%20to%20you.


09
Nov 23

Cyberbullying and Anxiety

Cyberbullying? well what is cyberbullying it is the act of using electronic communication tools, such as social media platforms or messaging apps, to harass, intimidate, or harm others. This issue has become a widespread issue in today’s digital age, with serious consequences for the mental health and well-being of those involved. One of the significant impacts of cyberbullying is the development of anxiety disorders in its victims. Anxiety is a common psychological response to stressful or threatening situations. In the context of cyberbullying, individuals who are targeted often experience extreme levels of anxiety due to the constant fear of further online harassment. The internet can amplify the impact of cyberbullying, as victims may feel like there is no escape from the ongoing attacks. This chronic stress can lead to the development of anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The impact of cyberbullying on anxiety is not limited to the immediate distress caused by online harassment. Victims may also experience long-term psychological effects. Persistent anxiety can affect various aspects of a person’s life, including their relationships, academic or professional performance, and overall well-being. The constant worry and fear associated with cyberbullying can lead to a decrease in self-esteem and self-confidence, making it challenging to engage in social interactions or trust others. A longitudinal study conducted by Hinduja and Patchin (2018) further supports the link between cyberbullying and anxiety. Their research followed a large sample of adolescents over time and found that victims of cyberbullying were more likely to develop anxiety symptoms as they aged. The study also highlighted that the duration and intensity of cyberbullying experiences were positively associated with increased anxiety levels. Another study I also looked at published in the Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology revealed that victims of cyberbullying were more likely to experience offline anxiety symptoms as well.

For individuals already predisposed to anxiety, cyberbullying can further their symptoms. Those with pre-existing anxiety disorders may experience extreme levels of anxiety, panic attacks, or even a relapse in their recovery. The constant exposure to negative and hurtful online content can trigger intrusive thoughts a, perpetuating a cycle of anxiety and distress. It is important for individuals with anxiety disorders who experience cyberbullying to seek support from mental health professionals and find healthy coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms. Furthermore, cyberbullying can result in a negative cycle of anxiety. A study published in the Journal of Interpersonal Violence mentioned that individuals who experienced cyberbullying were more likely to develop higher levels of anxiety and, in turn, engage in more avoidant behaviors. These avoidant behaviors, such as withdrawing from social interactions or avoiding certain online platforms, which these things can cause isolation and steer them away from even being social.

In conclusion, cyberbullying has a significant impact on the mental health of its victims, particularly in terms of anxiety. The constant fear, stress, and worry associated with cyberbullying can lead to the development or exacerbation of anxiety disorders. It is truly important to raise awareness about cyberbullying, provide support systems for victims, and promote responsible online behavior to create a safer digital space for everyone. So everyone can feel safe and their mental health can continue to be healthy. Throughout my research multiple studies have demonstrated the extreme impact of cyberbullying on anxiety.

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4126576/

Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology Published By: Kluwer Academic/Plenum Publishers

 


09
Nov 23

What Makes People Attractive

I am sure anyone reading this blog could make a list of people they know either in real life, celebrities they like, or people on social media, etc., of who they find attractive. But have you ever wondered what made you so attracted to them? Is it purely the way they look? Or is it more about their style or interests? Thinking deeper into why people are attracted to individuals, you would find that it is not completely surface level. It is more than just looks, although that is a big part of it, there is more than meets the eye. Attraction consists of three different aspects, the proximity effect, the familiarity effect, and physical appearance. 

In person, the initial driving force of attraction, when it comes to relationships, would be proximity. The proximity effect is “the tendency for physical and psychological nearness to increase interpersonal liking.” (Gruman, 2016, p.422). First signs of attraction occur when someone is simply in close quarters with another person, like in a classroom. They see that person, they hear how they talk, see how they interact with others, and overall get a good observation of who they are, while in close enough proximity. A study done by Back, Shmuckle, and Egloff showed the significance of proximity when they had classmates introduce themselves to each other in the beginning of the year and a year later asked them to rate their friendships with the students in the class. This resulted with the students rating the classmates who sat near them as closer friends than classmates who sat further from them in the classroom. 

Taking a step past proximity, the familiarity effect is another important element in attraction. The familiarity effect is the idea that “Increased exposure to someone generally enhances preexisting feelings toward that person, whether positive or negative.” (Zajonc, 1968, as cited in Gruman, 2016, pg. 423). The more you are around someone the more familiar you become. For example, if your schedule lines up with someone else’s and you see them at the same time everyday. You get familiar with the person, and the more familiar you are with someone, the more comfortable you are with that person. It has been shown that “Since the original research on familiarity and attraction in the 1960s, dozens of studies have tested this effect. Most studies have supported the claim that familiarity promotes attraction.” (e.g., Reis, Maniaci, Caprariello, Eastwick, and Finkel, 2011 as cited in Gruman, 2016, p. 423). In short, when someone is familiar with another person they are more likely to perceive them as attractive.

On to what is seemingly to be the most important component in attraction, physical appearance. There have been studies that resulted with the consensus that people value the quality of looks the most when finding a dating partner. Overall, it has been found that physical attractiveness does matter, however it is deeper than that. People perceived to be attractive have further expectations on them, “People associate good looks with other good things about the person. In a seminal study, Dion, Berscheid, and Walster (1972) found that attractive people are expected, purely on the basis of their looks, to be better people: sensitive, sexually responsive, interesting and sociable.” (Gruman, 2016, p. 424). People find good looking people attractive because of their looks and also the belief that their good looks entail other good qualities. This assumption that people have for good looking people is an additional reason for their attraction to them. 

In all, people find others attractive because of proximity, familiarity, and physical appearance. People are likely to be attracted to someone who is physically close to them in proximity. A person is bound to find one person around them as attractive. The mere fact that they are around them makes them familiar to them and familiarity in itself promotes attraction. Physical appearance is the leading factor in most cases of attraction because they are pleasing to look at and good looking people are assumed to be elite. 

References

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology : Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems. (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. 


09
Nov 23

Attraction, as Told by an Utter Misanthrope

Indeed, physical attractiveness matters. This is proven by a study which found that attractive people are judged more positively than ugly people are, including a higher social appeal, but also in various forms of competence (Gruman et al., 2017, p. 424). Yes, that’s right folks, people think you’re smarter if you’re pretty; how stupid is that!

This did raise a curious inquiry deep in my soul, however. How in the hell did Jeremy get Justine? Allow me to explain. Jeremy was a friend of mine from college. He was a great guy. No, really. a great guy. However, he was… how you say… attractively challenged. He had a full head of hair, which you could see because he was so darn short. He had definition all over his body, mostly because he was skin and bones. His smile absolutely lit up the skyBecause his braces could be seen from Mars. In short, my buddy Jeremy was an utter dumpster fire.

Justine? A complete 150 out of 10, immediate transfusion-requiring nosebleed knockout. Earth’s magnetic field shifted around this woman’s sheer radiance, and men just glided in her direction wherever she went. Justine was (and is) madly in love with Jeremy.

As I read this week’s chapter, I wondered whether it was the “T-Shirt Study” that could explain this phenomenon, since their interests and values seemed to match well (Gruman et al., 2017, p. 430).

However, this also seemed not to be the case, as Justine fell hard for this man (not via fainting from the shock and horror of his volcano face) before she ever had a chance to know him. This is one of those bizarre instances of Beauty and the Beast  Naked Mole-Rat that I simply couldn’t get through my head.

But I began to really analyze what made Jeremy attractive, and found something pretty compelling. His presence. I have yet to totally conceptualize what makes up a person’s presence, but I’ve narrowed it down just enough for a rough idea.

Jeremy is incredibly substantive in a way that only Jeremy can be. He has almost an entirely internal locus of control. In addition, he is quite the optimist, which is somewhat described with the theory of attribution; optimists attribute positive results with internal factors, and negative results with outside factors (Gruman et al., 2017, p. 461).

Jeremy is one of those guys that is full of both pathway thinking, meaning that he knows which steps to take in order to reach his goals, and agency thinking, which is high willpower/mastery (Gruman et al., 2017, p. 472).

Perhaps most importantly, Jeremy was a fully actualized man. The book sort of glosses over the topic of actualization, but my idea of actualization kind of corresponds with Carl Jung’s theory of the shadow, which can be summarized as the realization of whichever aspects of the self are hidden away from not only others, but also the self (Perry, 2015).

Jeremy had confronted his stepfather, who was beating his mother, earlier in his youth through a physical confrontation in which he won (with the help of a frying pan that now bears a nice mold in the shape of his stepfather’s face). Afterwards, he had confronted the guilt of not only his actions, but also how much he enjoyed beating his stepfather into a bloody pulp.

He found the malevolence within himself and had to reconcile that with his desire to be good. In doing so, he not only took responsibility for himself, but also for his potential for destruction. The funny thing is, as paradoxical as it sounds, Jeremy became optimistic and found his internal locus of control by examining his own malevolence.

So while our peers were rambling on about political ideologies and proclaiming moral superiority during college rallies, Jeremy was quietly building himself 1% better every day. That 1% per day meant that every 3 months, Jeremy was double the man he had been.

In the words of the often controversial (but in this topic, spot on) psychologist Jordan Peterson, “There’s a difference between being harmless and being good.”

Jeremy understood his potential, realized that he too possessed malevolence, and was choosing to be good whenever possible. Justine didn’t see a short, pimply, brace-faced nerd. Justine was looking at a monster who had tamed himself and protected his family using the very same potential that he could’ve used for destruction.

It took me entering a career in war to learn and become what Jeremy achieved in high school through nothing but a dented frying pan and a “Give ’em hell!” attitude.

You know, on second thought, I’m starting to think Jeremy is one sexy dude.

 

 

Sources:

Gruman, J., Schneider, F., & Coutts, L. (Eds.) (2017). Applied social psychology. SAGE Publications, Inc, https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071800591

Perry, C. (2015, August 12). The Shadow. Society of Analytical Psychology. https://www.thesap.org.uk/articles-on-jungian-psychology-2/about-analysis-and-therapy/the-shadow/


09
Nov 23

Does It matter If We Are Similar?

Have you ever wondered how much similarity contributes to whether or not you will get into the school, job position or role you’re applying for? To further elaborate, the similarity of the decision maker and yourself and how much it plays into whether or not you are able to secure a spot or job in which you’re applying. Well there is a thing called the similar to me effect, “​​This effect occurs when people perceive others who are like themselves more favorably than they do others who are dissimilar.”(Gruman,2016). In this essay, we will evaluate this effect and its implications.

Where can we see the similar to me effect play a role in decision making? We can see this effect play a role in the workplace, in grant awarding and even in the employment process. According to a study described in the article, Similar-to-me effects in the grant application process: Applicants, panelists, and the likelihood of obtaining funds, “The results indicate that panel members tend to favor more (or penalize less) applicants with similar characteristics to them, as the similar-to-me hypothesis suggests.” (Banal-Estanol et al.,2023). This study was analyzing the likelihood of applicants being less or more likely to receive funding based on their characteristics and similarity. The results suggest that similarity did contribute to the decision of who received the funding. As previously mentioned, this effect can also be seen in the workplace. “This potential source of bias was demonstrated by Pulakos and Wexley (1983), who found that when supervisors evaluate employees, the more similar the parties are, the higher the ratings the supervisors give.” (Gruman 2016).

Now that we have discussed where this effect can be seen and how it can influence decision making, we can look into why this may happen and the effect it can have on the people this happens to. One reason this is believed to occur is because of the belief that an individual who is like the decision maker will perform well or deserve the award because they resemble the qualities they feel confident in. Moreover, “Perceived similarity may result in more confidence and trust between the supervisor and the employee.” (Gruman, 2016). This trust is almost an outward projection of their personal beliefs of themselves and their competence rewarding that kind of behavior being mirrored back. This could definitely be a positive reaction if for example, the behavior that is similar is a quality like honesty or strong work ethic. Conversely, this can have a negative effect if the bias is based on general similarities such as ethnicity or background. We have a very diverse society where a difference of individuals can offer a wide variety of skill sets that are beneficial. This is why it is stated that “The similar-to-me effect could potentially have significant negative implications in an increasingly culturally diverse workplace where other employees are bound to be different.”(Gruman,2016).

In conclusion, we can see how studies have suggested that similarities can have an influence on decision making for job positions, employment dynamics, grant awarding and in other circumstances. We discussed how this can be a positive effect with consequences that can strengthen relationships or benefit applicants but we also can see how it can be harmful. In the end, the similar to me effect is a bias with both positive and negative implications but it is helpful to learn about it so that we can recognize it in our society and lives. 

References

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2016). Applied Social Psychology (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications, Inc. (US). https://mbsdirect.vitalsource.com/books/9781506353968

Banal-Estañol, A., Liu, Q., Macho-Stadler, I. and Pérez-Castrillo, D. (2023), Similar-to-me effects in the grant application process: Applicants, panellists, and the likelihood of obtaining funds. R&D Management, 53: 819-839. https://doi.org/10.1111/radm.12601

 


08
Nov 23

Cyber bullying and Mental health

Bullying has always been around, and in my opinion it was easy to keep an eye on it and control it, if parents, schools and teachers worked together. Unfortunately with the introduction of internet and rise of social media platforms, a new kind of bullying, called cyber bullying  was created, which is much more damaging and harder to control than the regular bullying.

Cyber bullying has become very common, and I have seen fully grown adults being brought to tears, and being severely affected, and subsequently damaging their mental health. Can we imagine how it effects a young person who maybe targeted or signaled out to be bullied online. As there are more and more online platforms to communicate, similarly there are more areas to cyberbully someone, and in majority of cases the bully benefits, and chooses to be anonymous, the bully can only be one person, but they can assume different identities, and bully one person, making it more intense and damaging to the victim.

Effects of cyber bullying are far reaching and dangerous. Victims can suffer from, anxiety, depression, loneliness and suicidal ideation (Nixon, 2014). Constant and long term cyber bullying can damage the mental health of the victim so much, that they start believing, that somehow they deserve to be bullied, and thus it can have long term effects on a young person’s self-esteem, and confidence. I think a lot more that needs to be done, not only to combat the incidence of cyber bullying, but we also need to make it easier for the kids to report it, so they could be helped in a timely manner, before it effects their mental health.

 

Nixon C. L. (2014). Current perspectives: the impact of cyberbullying on adolescent health. Adolescent health, medicine and therapeutics, 5, 143–158. https://doi.org/10.2147/AHMT.S36456

 


08
Nov 23

Get Hip or Get Out: Disrupting Low-Income Communities Through Hip Consumerism

Young entrepreneurs and recent college graduates are flooding to low-income neighborhoods as a means to revitalize and maintain an “authentic” look to established communities (Zukin, 2008, p. 727). Cities normally offer a life that is convenient and with a copious number of things to do to enhance the quality life. This fact is not always the case for many individuals and families who live in low-income areas. Communities, especially established communities, are forced to adapt to the changes within their community. Whether these changes were wanted or not, the upgrades are built for an exclusive type, and the established community members are unable to utilize the shops and markets within the community. As a way to increase attractiveness and increase consumerism, new hip shops and markets featuring ethical and organic items, as well as consignment items that make use of “upcycling” (Zukin, 2008, p. 725). While these changes are environmentally friendly and encourage a different outlook into consumerism, it makes it difficult for low-income families to be able to utilize these goods and services. What ends up happening is that these households are forced out of their homes due to increased cost of living.

To uplift a community, these gentrification projects have displaced low-income individuals and families and have forced a specific demographic to fill in the spots, changing the economic concerns that were faced by the community by simply pushing those struggles to another area without consideration to community disruption (Qiang et al., 2021, p. 4). While a community is developed, another one is eradicated. Communities that have been there for multiple generations, with homes staying within the family. Unfortunately, these communities most likely had no support from the city government and were left to their own devices to survive. This either isolated the community or encouraged the community to come together and work with one another, regardless of the conditions that made this achievement difficult.

These communities have communicated with local officials, investors, and community liaisons to establish a community uplifting project that benefits community members while increasing the attractiveness of the community (Qiang et al., 2021, pp. 3-4). These efforts have gone by the wayside with capital gain and increased consumerism being the main priorities for these development projects. When these neighborhoods are gentrified, all the attempts to provide city funds to uplift the community are suddenly cared about. The attraction from upper and middle-class residents provides a multitude of changes including investment into housing, adequate public service, a rise in property values, reduced crime rates, and a bettering of the city’s public amenities (Qiang et al., 2021, p. 2). All of this is directly correlated with gentrification. This attention from the local government is devastating to the established community members who were ignored for generations.

But what attracts these young entrepreneurs, artists, and intellectuals into these neighborhoods? As Sharon Zukin (2008) puts it, it is the aesthetic that appeals to them (p. 727). With the fetishizing of cultural diversity and an “authentic urban experience”, neo-bohemians, or hipsters seek out low-income, close spaced, and easily traveled (whether from walking, cycling, or public transportation) communities (Zukin, 2008, pp. 727-728). Sharon Zukin (2018) puts it simply,

“More than using their neighbors as models, some [hipsters] take delight in finding a parallel between the involuntary marginalization of the poor and of ethnic minorities in their neighborhood and their own willed marginalization from mainstream consumer culture” (p. 729).

The connection with the downtrodden in relation to the hipster “starving artist” experience provides an adequate backdrop to the community that they hope to establish. It also makes it easier to build from bones than to start from scratch.

Are we benefitting community development by gatekeeping life from lower-income families? Are ethical changes to a community that displaces established community members truly ethical? We encourage community growth within the US to provide the necessary support systems for individuals to be able to survive and thrive, yet we are so willing to step on the backs of the established community members to make it a “better” place. By interrupting and displacing the community and community members who have lived and survived in the area, we are creating future problems that will continue to“affect”communities. The pink collar, new collar, no collar, open collar, and gold collar individuals garner more attraction to neighborhoods while leaving blue and black collar individuals to continue performing the dirty work with little to no appreciation or recognition to their community influence. This creates tension among the two groups who fight for the liberalization or conservatizing of the community. Unfortunately, only one group receives the support.

References

Qiang, A. J., Timmins, C., & Wang, W. (2021). Displacement and the Consequences of Gentrification. Unpublished Manuscript, 1–49.

Zukin, S. (2008). CONSUMING AUTHENTICITY. Cultural Studies, 22(5), 724–748. https://doi.org/10.1080/09502380802245985

 


08
Nov 23

Decoding the Complexities of Adult Attachment Styles

Attachment styles, a concept pioneered by John Bowlby and Mary Ainsworth, develop deep emotional bonds between two people. These styles, which originate from the bond between an infant and their primary caregiver, significantly influence future social and intimate relationships. In other words, this early bond creates a template for building and interpreting relationships as an adult.

There are four primary adult attachment styles: secure, preoccupied, fearful, and dismissing.  These styles develop along two dimensions: attachment-related anxiety and attachment-related avoidance. Individuals high in attachment-related stress tend to be insecure and worried about their partner’s availability and attentiveness. On the other hand, those high in attachment-related avoidance often struggle with opening up and being vulnerable to significant others.

A secure attachment style is characterized by low scores on both anxiety and avoidance. Individuals with this style trust that their close relationships will provide support and security when needed and are prepared to offer the same in return. They can communicate openly and honestly and believe they are worthy of love. They are transparent about fears, desires, and insecurities and provide consistent support and warmth.

Preoccupied individuals are often insecure and worried about their partner’s availability and attentiveness. They need closeness, and they are concerned about abandonment. They are characterized by a negative working model of self and a positive working model of others. It can affect intimate adult relationships and cause a need to belong, fit in, or feel accepted.

Fearful individuals are afraid of rejection; therefore, they are mistrusting and often shy. This type of person usually craves the feeling of closeness and support; however, they distance themselves from others. Often, this attachment style is linked to childhood trauma. They strongly desire close relationships but distrust others and fear intimacy.  They are characterized by both high levels of anxiety and avoidance in relationships.

Finally, dismissing individuals are “self-reliant, independent, and uninterested in intimacy.”  These individuals often avoid closeness and intimacy because they do not feel a need to rely on someone else. They are very independent and find it hard to be comfortable enough with someone to trust them with their intimacy. They are characterized by a positive internal working model of attachment of oneself, described by a view of oneself as competent and worthy of love, and a negative internal working model of attachment of others, characterized by one’s belief that others are untrustworthy or undependable.

It’s important to note that attachment styles can change with major life events or even with different partners. For instance, an insecurely attached individual could form a secure bond when they have a securely attached partner. Understanding one’s attachment style is the first step toward developing healthier relationships.

(2022, December 26). How to Change Your Attachment Style and Your Relationships. The Attachment Project. https://www.attachmentproject.com/blog/attract-secure-attachment-partner/

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (2017). Applied Social Psychology Understanding and Addressing Social and Practical Problems (3rd ed.). Sage Publications, Inc.

Lancer, D., JD, LMFT (2021, April 1. How to Change Your Attachment Style and Your Relationships. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/202104/how-change-your-attachment-style-and-your-relationships

 

 

 

 


07
Nov 23

Pick Tok

Cyberbullying, regular bullying, both the same and both horrible.  They have been on the uproar since technology has excelled in its finest.  Personally, I could not tell you how many times a week I hear my daughter upset because of a friend’s Tic Tok or Instagram post, or how they message her through Snapchat or via text and are mean.  Or to say the least when they hang out how she gets ditched for no reason.  Now of course I have taught my daughter to try and be tough, try not to let things bother you but as a parent you can only succeed so much.  Since I myself and a parent who intervenes a lot, I feel that an intervention for this type of behavior is well called for.  A prime example that I can use is just last weekend my daughter came down crying because her friend made an appreciation video on Tic Tok but used a bad photo of her, of course I thought she was being dramatic like any pre-teen girl would be.  However, there was more to the story of how the other young girl knew it was a bad photo and told her that she knew she would get upset, that’s why she used it.  So, me as the mother I am, “involve parental engagement (Hendry et al., 2023)” to the point that I called the girls’ mother, and we had our own discussion about it.  We felt that intervention for the two girls regarding bullying behavior, which can “include teaching social skills such as friendship, empathy, and anger management in one-on-one settings, not in a group setting. Discipline should be addressed in private. Interventions focus on identifying the expected behaviors. (Bullying prevention and intervention strategies)” but all in all, I felt the initial intervention of parental engagement was appropriate.

Reference

Bullying prevention and intervention strategies. Bullying Prevention and Intervention Strategies – Nebraska Department of Education. (n.d.). https://www.education.ne.gov/safety/bullying-prevention-and-intervention-strategies/#:~:text=Bullying%20behavior%20interventions%20may%20include,on%20identifying%20the%20expected%20behaviors.

Hendry, B. P., Hellsten, L. M., McIntyre, L. J., & Smith, B. R. R. (2023, February 13). Recommendations for cyberbullying prevention and intervention: A Western Canadian perspective from key stakeholders. Frontiers. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1067484/full#:~:text=When%20cyberbullying%20instances%20occur%2C%20it,technology%20used%20by%20their%20youth.


05
Nov 23

A Tiny 13 x 5 Screen

When talking about communities, we often think about our neighbors, friends, family, and maybe our peers at work or school. What gets overlooked is the online communities we participate in everyday. A community can be made up of a group of people that share a space together, or share a common interest. Outside of real in-person connections, is the online version. This mostly looks like facebook feeds, reddit groups, gaming streams, or school discussion boards. The latter is what we all, as students, participate in every week and it is considered to be a community. These online groups help us learn, socialize and grow in many ways; however, there could be a darker side to being a part of too many online communities. 

As I mentioned, the internet keeps us informed, and helps us keep up with the changing world. As our technology advances faster than it ever has in history, we know that to stay off the internet and swear off iphones is to not progress with society and can be detrimental to your career or social standing. We have access to every question and answer you could possibly ask, right at our fingertips and that goes for friendships and social groups as well. In this age, if you really want to, you don’t have to leave your house to talk with a group of likeminded people, speak with friends, catch up on gossip or share your opinion. Behind the tiny 13” x 5” screen, you are protected from true scrutiny, from embarrassment, from fear. Online communities can help you reach likeminded people, family or friends that are far away. “Establishing a sense of community online can be advantageous for particular subgroups who may experience specific barriers to communities of interest offline.” (Gruman, 2017). All of these factors are incredibly positive for users, and may be why so many flock to online communities like never before. 

Despite the advantages of anonymity, it’s also a disadvantage to all people on online platforms. Having this identity shield gives users a different type of confidence to voice their opinions, but it can mean that many things said are things they would truly never say out loud. This can leave a massive cavity, where bullying and negativity fester. Myspace, one of the earlier social media platforms that created a massive online community, caused issues for so many teens. Myspace led to many of its users having more drama, misunderstandings with friends and creating aggressive behaviors. (Gruman, 2017). This is because online, there is an emotional disconnect. In person, we see others’ expressions, the tone in their voice, along with choosing our words more carefully out of empathy or compassion, there is a sense of real connection. Online, we can’t get that, and that leaves room for negative emotions, and behaviors. Online communities, while helpful in ways, arent a substitute for real life interactions and face-to-face community. 

Gruman, J., Schneider, F., & Coutts, L. (2017). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. Sage Publications.


02
Nov 23

People with disabilities and their online connections

For the following commentary to be comprehensible, there must first be a discussion of relevant terms and definitions. First, the reader should consider the components of a community. Gruman and colleagues (2017) refer to research by community psychologists who proposed four components of what makes a sense of connectedness to others, and thus a community. First, there is membership. In order to have a community, there needs to be inclusion and exclusion criteria to determine who is in and who is out. Second, is the concept of influence, which is based on the idea of individual power within the community and inversely, the community’s power over the individual. The third component is integration and fulfillment of needs. This means that a person feels they can and are dependent on other members who are also dependent on the individual to share and receive what they need from each other. Finally the fourth component is a shared emotional connection which is exactly what it sounds like in the bondedness of members that usually is a result of some sort of shared experience or ideology.

Taking these components of what makes a person feel a sense of community, we can consider their application to a different type of community, the online community. Although they have been in existence since the early days of the internet, online or virtual communities became a pervasive reality in a big way recently. The concept of virtual communities was something that became prevalent in an unexpected way during the COVID-19 pandemic, when shutdowns were frequent and persistent. Folks often chose precaution over physical connectedness and whether it was using previously established communities or there was creation of new, online communities were thrust into the spotlight.

Yet another twist to the concept of communities and online communities is the idea that not all people use them in the same way. Gruman et al. (2017) discussed how this might be the group that could benefit from an online community the most, and it has been demonstrated that there is a connection between their presence in and online community and their wellbeing. Having a way to work around potential barriers to connectedness can increase satisfaction and again, be beneficial to people who live with disabilities.

To introduce another twist, online presence is not only about community and its connection, but potentially a romantic connection. Mazur (2022) has been at the forefront of researching how people with disabilities utilize virtual formats to date. It was found that discriminatory experiences were still had by those using online dating, but that this was balanced out for some by availability of interested parties. The disparity of experiences in online communities versus online dating could indicate the complexities that arise from being vulnerable when looking for romantic connection.

Overall, increase in popularity of online communities was seemingly exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Like communities that exist outside of the internet, there are multiple components that allow for someone to feel connected to a group. This connection might be more readily available for those with disabilities who use online communities to circumvent the barriers between them and in person connection. The benefits seen in online communities for this group does not have a direct translation to online dating, which research indicated was balanced by positive and negative experiences for people with disabilities.

References

Gruman, J. A., Schneider, F. W., & Coutts, L. M. (Eds.) (2017). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. (3rd ed.). SAGE Publications. https://doi.org/10.4135/9781071800591

Mazur, E. (2022). Online dating experiences of LGBTQ+ emerging adults with disabilities. Sexuality and Disability 40, 213-231. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11195-022-09726-2


02
Nov 23

Importance of Online Communities

Learning about communities this week had me wondering why online communities are so important, especially in today’s society. We have gone many centuries without online communities, even the internet. It is with the technological advances in our country and the world that have made the online communities come alive. We can probably all agree the importance of face-to-face communities and in my opinion an online community could never take away from those, but that does not mean that online communities don’t serve an important purpose as well.

A big example that could probably hit home to most would be during 2020 in the midst of COVID during lockdown. During this time it was hard for me to even see my parents and grandparents even if I had wanted to they all work in healthcare and were exposed to it everyday they were mandated by their company to take extra precaution that was already in place. To add some light to the dark my family and I would tag each other in funny or relatable things we would see on facebook. Now although my family is already part of me, if it weren’t for the app and online community of facebook that 2020 year could have gone a lot differently than it did. According to Forbes being a part of an online community allows a possibility of  a quick answer to a question you may have (Richmond, 2020). Also even if they are people you do not know personally an online community also can offer a support system, and sometimes not knowing the person directly can help some people open up more due to less fear.

Reference:

Richmond, S. (2020, August 25). Council post: The importance of online communities in 2020. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2020/08/26/the-importance-of-online-communities-in-2020/?sh=527be207ba9e


02
Nov 23

Technical (Mis)communication

Cyber or virtual communication has become a convenient type of communication, basically 24/7.  Being able to communicate to someone at any given time of the day thanks to technology has been a wonderful thing.  “We live in in a world where technology grows and changes a lot faster than some of us can manage to keep up with. But the one thing about technology that doesn’t change is the concept behind it: It’s a tool we can use to make what we’re doing both easier and better. (Account, 2020)”

Now, when talking about communication, I am not meaning a response right away. But rather being able to communicate to someone, whether that be sending an email or text just stating a fact, asking a non-urgent question, etc.  However, “saying something through text messages is a lot different from saying it in person. The latter lacks the body language, the eye contact, and the emotional connection in the face-to-face moment. (Sermaxhaj, 2023)” Since communication in these types of ways happen on a daily basis it is more common that miscommunication or misunderstands happen.  Therefore, technology can be a great thing but at the same time it can cause many issues.  Regarding work or within personal relationships as well.  A simple text t my husband can be miscommunicated just as much as a simple email to one of my coworkers.  Those on the receiving end might not understand the tone of the message which can cause majority of the issues.  I’ve personally learned over the years that even if you do not use short hand messaging and tend to type things out, it still has the chance of a miscommunication.  Technology I find to be great in the sense that it is at the tips of fingers and allows easy communication.

 

References:

Account, M. (2020, February 28). The misunderstanding of using technology. AZCOMP Technologies. https://www.azcomp.com/blog/the-misunderstanding-of-using-technology/

Sermaxhaj, G. (2023, September 20). Online communication and misunderstanding. Youth Time Magazine: News that Inspires, Updates that Matter. https://youthtimemag.com/online-communication-and-misunderstanding/


02
Nov 23

A False Sense of Community

I have a love-hate relationship with social media. I love social media, but the more I use it, the more thoughts and feelings I have of self-hatred. I can remember the exact day I first downloaded Instagram and was immediately able to connect with all of my friends through pictures and captions. Then, I was able to see what my favorite celebrities were doing and keep up with their lives. As an early teenager, I do not believe I could understand what access to these people’s lives was doing to me, but as an adult, I feel so sorry for doing that to myself. Now having the ability to understand how fake social media truly is and the false sense of community it offers, I can look back and see how much time I have wasted (and sometimes continue to waste) on social media sites, and how detrimental it was to grow up with that access.

Social media can be a powerful tool or weapon depending on the context. It can help companies promote their brand, connect family and friends across continents, and be a creative outlet for many individuals. On the other hand, it can promote unrealistic comparisons and expectations, spread misinformation rapidly, and is designed to prey on addictive tendencies. That last part is where I struggle the most. Growing up, I was always told by my parents that addiction runs in our extended family, so I stayed mindful and away from the obvious vices: drugs, alcohol, gambling, etc. I never once thought that social media could or would be my drug of choice. I was not aware of how dangerous and addictive social media can and is designed to be. These sites that were originally created to connect us to others are actually working to disconnect us from ourselves. Studies have found that as time spent on social media rises, so do rates of depression, substance abuse, stress, and suicide (Hansen, 2022). As any addict, my social media use follows a cycle. I start perusing the platform, trying to keep my time to a minimum and monitor my use, enjoying the pretty pictures and videos. Before I know it, I spend hours a day checking the app, comparing myself to people I idolize (even people I do not idolize), until the point where I feel like garbage. Once I have hit rock bottom, I do a detox from social media, feel great, wonder what people are up to, check it, and fall right back into the same cycle.

Why do I do this to myself? Why does anyone who can see the negative effects of social media continue to use it? My guess would be the false sense of community it provides and the lack of knowledge about the dangers of seeking out community in social media primarily. A sense of community is made up of four elements: membership, influence, integration and fulfillment of needs, and shared emotional connection (Gruman et al., 2017). My membership on social media is harder to see than that in real life. I do not have a badge or t-shirt that states I am part of a community, but simply having a presence on social media can create a feeling of membership. One reason I refuse to delete an app I know is detrimental to my mental health is that I do not want to lose the sense of membership in that app. It is the “norm” these days to have a social media presence and not having one can automatically make you feel excluded from that group (even though the perks of membership are not that great).

Influence is the power a community has over an individual and the power they have within the community (Gruman et al., 2017). In terms of social media, likes, comments, shares, etc. are all ways someone can show their influence within the community. “Influencers” are now actual careers for individuals who have many followers, and therefore, more power in the community. Being able to follow and “interact” with these people offers a false sense of connection and value that is hard to replicate in the “real” world. I can confidently say that (while I know I am not even close to the “influencer”-level) if I did not receive the positive affirmations of likes, comments, or followers, I would not participate in social media. I would not feel connected to the “community” and therefore, would not participate. These minuscule and truly pointless behaviors and affirmations keep me tied to the platform that can be so damaging for me. This also plays into the integration and fulfillment of needs where likes, comments, shares, and follows are an exchange of goods and resources within the social community. If someone interacts with my postings, I am much more likely to return the favor and interact with theirs. In reality, we are not exchanging anything important or valuable, but it is made important and valuable within the context of the site and “community”.

The final component of community is that of shared emotional connection, where individuals feel a sense of shared bond with others (Gruman et al., 2017). Followers do not automatically equate to friendships. Following your favorite celebrity can give a false impression of a connection with that individual that we might not feel if our interactions were kept solely to seeing them on the big screens or doing interviews. As for anyone on social media, we see deeper into their lives and can feel a sense of connection to them as a result. Unfortunately, however, the “reality” portrayed through social media is anything but. If we reserve our social connections to only those online, our sense of reality can be completely misconstrued. We see highlights, smiles, and maybe the occasional “no-makeup” selfie. Social media more often than not does not provide a true sense of emotional connection or bond that we might experience if we focus more on the actual community around us.

Writing this out, I realize even more how dangerous and deep my relationship with social media is, and cannot help but wish more information about these dangers were shared with me when I first created my social media accounts. Media literacy is so important for all of us as we attempt to navigate multiple communities across different platforms, and hopefully, it will help us to appreciate the real sense of community that we can find around us rather than seeking the fabricated version online. A whirlpool of dopamine and embellishment, social media can be an exciting outlet, but it should be used wisely and with care.

References

Gruman, J., Schneider, F., & Coutts, L. (2017). Applied social psychology: Understanding and addressing social and practical problems. Sage.

Hansen, K. (2022). Our social media addiction. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2022/11/our-social-media-addiction


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