A major goal and ongoing challenge of social psychology is to use individuals’ attitudes to predict their behavior. In a Psychology Today article titled “When Do Attitudes Predict Behavior?,” the way in which attitudes can be strong predictors of behavior are examined. For example, attitudes are better predictors when they are strong and stable, such as holding a political belief rather than having a favorite color. Also, the more specific the attitude is, the better a predictor it will be. Many studies conducted by Mark Snyder, PhD, McKnight Presidential Chair in the Department of Psychology at the University of Minnesota, and his team have found that attitudes are more useful as predictors when the individual is actually aware of their attitudes.

On January 6th the nation watched as a mob incited by President Trump descended on the Capitol. To understand the motivations behind this event, the New York Times interviewed a wide range of experts for their piece “White Riot,”. Christopher Federico, PhD, professor in the Departments of Political Science and Psychology at the University of Minnesota describes the lack of educational and employment opportunities. 

New research suggests that those who value "hegemonic masculinity" are more likely to support Trump. Professor of Political Science and Psychology Christopher Federico discusses the results of this research and its implementation in society in an article from CNN.

Many may notice that when times begin to get stressful, they tend to reach for comfort foods like pizza or ice cream. In an AARP article titled, “Tame Your Stress Eating,” researchers have found that two-thirds of Americans have been eating more feel-good foods since the start of the pandemic. When facing long-term stress, cortisol levels stay elevated, triggering a craving for high fatty and sugary foods.