About Personality & Social Psychology

Personality psychology involves an examination of the relatively enduring traits that help to make each of us unique and how these characteristics interact with the environment to influence our behaviour. Social psychology is the study of how we are influenced by other people, but also how other people are influenced by us. Key questions being asked by Carleton’s Personality and Social Psychologists include:

  • Why do we procrastinate?
  • What are the differences between happy and unhappy people?
  • What factors are associated with positive behaviours in close relationships?
  • How important are the social groups to which we belong?
  • How do we react when another person or group has transgressed against us?
  • What are the psychological benefits of social support?

Related Labs and Research Groups