School of Social and Political Science

Research interests

With a goal to address conflicts between groups and a curiosity about how individuals cope with societal changes, my research explores the social and psychological processes underlying intergroup relations and social change. I have developed three interconnected lines of research.

1. Norm Messages and Intergroup Relations

My primary research investigates how norm messages can foster positive intergroup relations and promote social change, particularly for migrants and LGBT+ groups. In my PhD research and a project supported by the KLI Seedcorn Grant, I have examined how norms can reduce prejudice, mobilise collective action, mitigate polarisation within social networks, and influence physiological threat/challenge responses.

2. Reactions to Social Change

Expanding beyond normative processes, my second line of research focuses on individuals' responses to social change. Using experimental and social media data, I have examined the roles of allies and the strategic use of intergroup emotions in collective actions in enhancing support for change and mitigating intergroup polarisation.

3. Economic Inequality and Its Consequences

My third line of research examines the political and moral consequences of economic inequality, including leader preferences, indifference to politicians, and moral judgements.

Current Focus: Psychophysiology of Social Change

My recent focus has been on employing a psychophysiological approach to explore the "heart" of societal changes. For example, when social change is perceived as uncontrollable or overwhelming, a threat state (indicated by constriction in arteries and less blood pumped by the heart) may be aroused. In contrast, perceiving change as empowering or promising can induce a challenge state (marked by dilation in arteries and more blood pumped by the heart). I aim to collect cardiovascular and skin conductance data in both lab and field settings to gain insights into motivational processes underlying individuals' responses to social change.