Social Psychology in Action [electronic resource] : Evidence-Based Interventions from Theory to Practice / edited by Kai Sassenberg, Michael L.W. Vliek.

Introduction: Nothing as Practical as a Good Theory -- Section I - Applying Social Psychological Theory: A Single Theory Approach -- Chapter 1: What Makes for a Good Theory? How to Evaluate a Theory Using the Strength Model of Self-Control as an Example -- Chapter 2: Mindset Theory of Action Phases and If-Then Planning -- Chapter 3: Beyond the Quantity of Motivation: Quality of Motivation in Self-Determination Theory -- Chapter 4: Self-Regulation Strategies and Regulatory Fit -- Chapter 5: Habit and Behavior Change -- Chapter 6: Reactance Theory -- Chapter 7: The Focus Theory of Normative Conduct -- Chapter 8: Social Interdependence -- Chapter 9: Social Identity Theory -- Chapter 10: Intergroup Contact Theory -- Chapter 11: Implicit Prejudice -- Chapter 12: Mindset Theory -- Part II: Combining Theoretical Insights: Addressing Complex Human Behavior -- Chapter 13: The Road to the Piggy Bank: Two Behavioural Interventions to Increase Saving -- Chapter 14: Social Media as Sources of Emotion -- Chapter 15: Intergroup Forgiveness: The Interplay Between Who We Are and What Tales We Tell.

This timely and applied textbook brings together leading scientists to illustrate how key theories and concepts in social psychology help to predict and explain behavior, and can be successfully applied to benefit social and practical problems. It focuses on robust theories and models known for their successful applications and covers a diverse range of settings—spanning classroom interventions, health behavior, financial decision making, climate change and much more. Each chapter comprises of a theoretical section to define the key concepts and summarize the theory, providing evidence for its reliability and limitations from basic research, as well as an application section that summarizes research in an applied context and provides details about a particular study including the respective application setting. The textbook expertly shows how theory can make meaningful predictions for real world contexts, and isn’t afraid to explain the potential hurdles and pitfalls when applying a theory and its underlying set of concepts in a certain context. Crucially, this format moves towards theory testing in applied contexts, enabling a closer examination of why and under what circumstances interventions may be successful in obtaining a desired behavioral or psychological end-state. Among the topics explored: Mindset theory of action phases and if-then planning Quality of motivation in self-determination theory The focus theory of normative conduct Social identity theory and intergroup contact theory Intergroup forgiveness Social Psychology in Action is a critical resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate students in social and cultural psychology, as well as students of behavioral economics seeking to develop a deeper understanding of major theories and applications of the fields. Practitioners working in the areas of organizational behavior and management, health communication, social work, and educational science and pedagogy will also find the volume pertinent to their work.