attitudes

Public Health Messages About Losing Weight Can Have Undesired Effects

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Many health experts say that diets don’t work in the long run, but this message may have unintended consequences.

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attitudes

health

prejudice

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The Appeal of Sexism to the Romantically Insecure

Emotionally distant men in romantic relationships tend to have greater beliefs that women are manipulative and power-hungry.

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To Change Moral Opinions, Use Moral Arguments

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Opinions that are based on moral principles can be very difficult to change, unless persuasive messages make a moral argument.

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Do Threatening Events Increase Support for Liberal or Conservative Viewpoints? It Depends on the Type of Threat

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Although certain threats, such as terrorism, increase support for political conservatism, other kinds of threats nudge people toward liberal viewpoints.

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Perceived Scientific Consensus as a Gateway to Bridging the Climate Change Divide

Helicopter view of North Miami Beach condominiums along the ocean

In the United States, climate change is a highly polarizing topic. How can we reduce this political polarization? In our research on attitudes about climate change, we seem to have discovered an answer. When people are reminded that almost all climate scientists believe in climate change, they become much less skeptical about it.

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attitudes

persuasion

judgment and decision-making

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Local Weather and Climate Influence Public Opinion on Global Warming

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Whether you believe global warming is real may depend on where you live and what month it is.

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attitudes

persuasion

culture

judgment and decision-making

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Celebrity Fat Shaming Has Ripple Effects on Women’s Implicit Anti-Fat Attitudes

Washington, DC and Montreal, Quebec - Celebrities, particularly female celebrities, are routinely criticized about their appearance—indeed, celebrity “fat-shaming” is a fairly regular pop-cultural phenomenon. Although we might assume that these comments are trivial and inconsequential, the effects of these messages can extend well beyond the celebrity target and ripple through the population at large.

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Psychology News Roundup: ICYMI April 12, 2019

This week's roundup includes pieces on pay gaps, gratefulness, and why couples seem to look alike. Read on for the latest in social and personality psychology news and research. Recently in the news, written a post, or have selections you'd like us to consider? Email us, use the hashtag #SPSPblog, or tweet us directly @spspnews.

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To Forgive or Not to Forgive? Understanding Self-attitudes After Health Behavior Lapses

Image of checklist with exercise and nutritional goals

Health behavior change is notoriously difficult. If you have ever tried to exercise more often, drink more water, cut back on sweets, or even floss more regularly, you can probably relate to this difficulty firsthand. Some days you get it right and meet your new health-related goals, and on other days you fall short.

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attitudes

health

persuasion