Social Psychology

The Basics of Group, Consumer, and Behavioral Psychology

Donar A.I. Saage

• Publisher: Saage Media GmbH
• Year: 2025
• eBook ISBN: 9783691413441
• Edition: 0
• Topic: Psychology
• Subtopic: History & Theory in Psychology
• Index: Psychology

Social Psychology: The Basics of Group, Consumer, and Behavioral Psychology provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding the complex mechanisms that govern human social behavior. This practical guide explores how individuals perceive themselves within social contexts, examining self-perception, social comparison processes, and the formation of stable identity in an ever-changing world.
The book delves into the sophisticated mechanisms of social influence, covering persuasion strategies and conformity pressure that shape daily interactions. You will learn to recognize and resist manipulative tactics while understanding how reciprocity, social proof, sympathy, and authority function in argumentation and decision-making processes.
Group psychology takes center stage as the guide examines practical dynamics and collaboration strategies. From preventing social loafing to fostering synergy effects and group intelligence, the content addresses real-world challenges in team environments. Special attention is given to effective group decision-making processes, including prevention of groupthink and reduction of group polarization.
Interpersonal relationships receive thorough treatment, exploring the foundations of social attraction, prosocial behavior, and conflict management. The guide provides actionable strategies for overcoming the bystander effect, strengthening empathy, and managing aggressive behavior in personal and professional contexts.
The applied social psychology section bridges theory and practice, focusing on consumer psychology and behavioral steering in everyday situations. You will discover how advertising messages create brand loyalty, how heuristics and cognitive biases influence purchasing decisions, and how decision environments can be designed to guide behavior ethically.
Throughout the guide, emphasis is placed on recognizing and dismantling prejudices and stereotypes through conscious control of automatic thought patterns and the creation of positive intergroup contact.
For this book, we relied on innovative technologies, including Artificial Intelligence and tailor-made software solutions. These supported us in numerous process steps: brainstorming and research, writing and editing, quality assurance, as well as the creation of decorative illustrations.
We aim to provide you with a reading experience that is particularly harmonious and contemporary.

Table of contents

• introduction
• 1. The Social Self: Perception and Influence of One's Own Person
• 1.1 Self-Perception and Social Comparisons
• Techniques for Realistic Self-Assessment
• Constructive Engagement with Social Comparisons
• Formation of a Stable Self-Identity in Flux
• 1.2 Self-Presentation and Impression Management
• Strategies for Conscious Self-Presentation
• Maintaining Authenticity in Social Interaction
• Adapting One's Appearance to Social Contexts
• 1.3 Cognitive Dissonance and Attitude Change
• Recognizing and Reducing Internal Contradictions
• Promoting Self-Conviction Through One's Own Actions
• Strengthening Resilience Against Opinion Manipulation
• 2. Social Influence: Persuasion Strategies and Conformity Pressure
• 2.1 Mechanisms of Targeted Persuasion
• Application of Central and Peripheral Persuasion Routes
• Effective Use of Reciprocity and Social Proof
• The Use of Liking and Authority in Argumentation
• 2.2 Dealing with Group Pressure and Conformity
• Resistance to Normative Social Influence
• Critical Questioning of Majority Opinions
• The Role of Allies in Strengthening One's Own Position
• 2.3 Questioning Obedience to Authorities
• Recognizing Illegitimate Authority Claims
• Strategies for Strengthening Personal Responsibility
• Practices of Constructive Dissent in Hierarchies
• 3. Group Psychology in Practice: Shaping Dynamics and Collaboration
• 3.1 Increasing Group Performance and Productivity
• Methods to Prevent Social Loafing
• Promoting Synergy Effects and Group Intelligence
• Optimizing Communication Structures in the Team
• 3.2 Effective Decision-Making Processes in Groups
• Measures for Preventing Groupthink
• Techniques for Mitigating Group Polarization
• Implementation of Effective Moderation Methods
• 3.3 Conflict Management and Fostering Cohesion
• De-escalation of Intergroup Conflicts
• Strengthening Group Cohesion Through Common Goals
• Integrative Approach to Outsiders and Deviating Opinions
• 4. Interpersonal Relationships: Attraction, Conflicts, and Prosocial Behavior
• 4.1 Fundamentals of Social Attraction and Liking
• The Importance of Proximity and Mere Exposure
• Similarity as a Factor for Stable Relationships
• The Perception of Physical Attractiveness and Its Effects
• 4.2 Promoting Prosocial Behavior and Helpfulness
• Action Steps to Overcome the Bystander Effect
• Practical Exercises for Strengthening Empathy and Altruism
• The Art of Asking for and Accepting Help
• 4.3 Dealing with Aggression and Partnership Conflicts
• Analysis of Triggers for Aggressive Behavior
• Methods for Emotion Regulation and Impulse Control
• Application of Negotiation Strategies in Couple Relationships
• 5. Applied Social Psychology: Consumer and Behavior Control in Everyday Life
• 5.1 Consumer Psychology: Understanding and Controlling Purchasing Decisions
• The Effect of Advertising Messages and Brand Loyalty
• Using Heuristics and Cognitive Biases in Shopping
• Designing Decision Environments for Behavior Guidance
• 5.2 Applying Behavioral Psychology in a Social Context
• Building Positive Habits Through Social Reinforcement
• Application of Learning Principles for Targeted Behavior Change
• Self-Commitment as a Tool for Sustainable Goal Achievement
• 5.3 Actively Reducing Prejudices and Stereotypes
• Awareness and Control of Automatic Thought Patterns
• The Design of Positive Intergroup Contact
• Creation of Common Superordinate Identities
• Sources
• Image Sources