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

"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

I’ve researched these questions through the lens of social psychology, trying to understand the psychological science of gift giving in hopes of helping gift givers make better choices.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 20, 2024

I recently wrote about the social psychology of this phenomenon.

From Salon • Sep. 25, 2024

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

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom