Psychology of Popularity

The level of popularity you experienced in childhood and adolescence is still affecting you today in ways that you may not even realize. Learn about how psychologists study popularity and how these same concepts can be used in adulthood to be more successful at work, become better parents, and have a happier life.

• How is Popularity Affecting Your Life as an Adult?
• We will review how popularity is changing your social information processing and DNA expression.
• How Do We Study Popularity Scientifically?
• We will discuss the ways that we have identified different subgroups of kids and adults who have different popularity profiles.
• Why are Some People More Popular Than Others? (Part 1)
• We will discuss what behaviors popular people engage in, and what types of specific behaviors make people unpopular almost immediately. Implications for adult relationships will be discussed.
• Why are Some People More Popular Than Others? (Part 2)
• We will review why facial and body attractiveness plays a role in popularity and how parents can make their children more popular.
• How Does Popularity Change Our Mood, Feelings, and Behaviors? (Part 1)
• We will discuss recent findings regarding the links between popularity and psychopathology.
• How Does Popularity Change Our Mood, Feelings, and Behaviors? (Part 2)
• We will review why popular people really do have better skills and life outcomes compared to others.