What is Political Psychology?

Political psychology examines the psychological dimensions of political processes, including not only formal politics but also the relationships between individuals and societies. Typical questions of political psychology are:

How do individuals process political information and form their opinions?
What role do emotions play in forming political opinions and mobilising political action?
How do political leaders make decisions?
What role do political rhetoric and the media play in influencing individuals' political cognitions and behaviours?
How do major societal events influence individuals' political attitudes?
Under what conditions do people engage in social movements?
What role does individuals' belongingness to social groups play within and between societies?
Why are some conflicts between social groups so protracted and intractable?
Why do people sometimes support war or terrorism?
Why and under what circumstances do people commit political violent acts and mass killings?
How can we reduce violence and social injustice in society, and how do we build peace?