social psychology

American  

noun

1. the psychological study of social behavior, especially of the reciprocal influence of the individual and the group with which the individual interacts.

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social psychology British  

noun

1. psychol the area of psychology concerned with the interaction between individuals and groups and the effect of society on behaviour

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Etymology

Origin of social psychology

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

Thai society has evolved, said social psychology lecturer Apitchaya Chaiwutikornwanich, explaining that young Thais have "learned the concept of human rights and the rights to own one's body".

From Barron's • May 25, 2026

"People are increasingly disliking each other," says Prof Sander van der Linden, who researches social psychology at the University of Cambridge.

From BBC • Mar. 7, 2026

Elizabeth Bernstein writes a column for The Wall Street Journal that explores social psychology and the manifold aspects of human interactions.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 11, 2026

Because these body maps appear to play a role in emotional understanding, they may help advance research in social psychology and clinical care.

From Science Daily • Dec. 23, 2025

At Brandeis, he taught classes about social psychology, mental illness and health, group process.

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom