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

But BDD is when feeling anxious about your appearance starts interfering with your everyday life, says Viren Swami professor of social psychology at Anglia Ruskin University.

From BBC • Feb. 17, 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

John Drury, a professor of social psychology at the University of Sussex in England, said his research suggests “the emergency itself changes relations between people.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

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

From "Tuesdays with Morrie" by Mitch Albom