Table of Contents

Introduction: Nothing as Practical as a Good Theory.- Section I - Applying Social Psychological Theory: A Single Theory Approach.- Chapter 1: What Makes for a Good Theory? How to Evaluate a Theory Using the Strength Model of Self-Control as an Example.- Chapter 2: Mindset Theory of Action Phases and If-Then Planning.- Chapter 3: Beyond the Quantity of Motivation: Quality of Motivation in Self-Determination Theory.- Chapter 4: Self-Regulation Strategies and Regulatory Fit.- Chapter 5: Habit and Behavior Change.- Chapter 6: Reactance Theory.- Chapter 7: The Focus Theory of Normative Conduct.- Chapter 8: Social Interdependence.- Chapter 9: Social Identity Theory.- Chapter 10: Intergroup Contact Theory.- Chapter 11: Implicit Prejudice.- Chapter 12: Mindset Theory.- Part II: Combining Theoretical Insights: Addressing Complex Human Behavior.- Chapter 13: The Road to the Piggy Bank: Two Behavioural Interventions to Increase Saving.- Chapter 14: Social Media as Sources of Emotion.- Chapter 15: Intergroup Forgiveness: The Interplay Between Who We Are and What Tales We Tell.

About the Author

Kai Sassenberg is a professor at the University of Tübingen (Germany) and head of the Social Processes Lab at the Leibniz-Institut für Wissensmedien – a research institute dedicated to excellent research with high applied relevance in the domain of digital media. Based on social psychological theorizing he has studied leadership, health behavior, and learning in higher education. He has published over 100 articles in peer-reviewed journals. His research was covered by international (e.g., NBC, New York Times) and national media (e.g., ZDF_neo, Wirtschaftswoche, FAZ). Sassenberg was an associate editor for the European Journal of Social Psychology and is member of the editorial board of four social psychology journals. He is currently president of the European Association of Social Psychology (2017-2020).

Michael L. W. Vliek was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Amsterdam between 2006 and 2016, chaired the teaching committee for the Department of Psychology, and taught at all different levels of the bachelor and research master curriculum in Psychology. He has written several well-received psychology textbooks, such as a first year introduction to psychology textbook with McGraw & Hill, as well as a textbook on the psychology of influence and persuasion with Routledge. He currently works as a scientific consultant for non-profit and governmental organizations.