Areas of Research

The study of morality, emotion, social class, and inequality.

Morality and social connection

1

What causes people to be kind and moral to one another? In a primary line of research, I study the drivers of human kindness and social connection. 

Bridging me to we: Awe is a conduit to cohesive collectives: View Article

The Social Effects of an Awesome Solar Eclipse: View Article

The geography of goodwill: Recreational engagement with nature predicts prosociality: View Article

Having less, giving more: The influence of social class on prosocial behavior: View Article

Inequality, social class,
and mobility

2

How does inequality shape social life? My research seeks to understand how social hierarchies of different kinds shape people's lives and social tendencies. We study the psychology of social class and privilege, social mobility, and psychological pathways toward egalitarianism and societal fairness.

Higher social class predicts increased unethical behavior: View Article

Shifting attributions for poverty motivates opposition to inequality and enhances egalitarianism: View Article

Unpacking the Inequality Paradox: The Psychological Roots of Inequality and Social Class: View Article

Social emotion

3

How do emotions shape the way we see ourselves and relate to one another? A focus of our research is awe–the sense of wonder felt in the presence of something vast. We find that awe encourages people to prioritize the collective good over strict self-interest, leading to increased prosocial behaviors like generosity and helpfulness.

Awe, the small self, and prosocial behavior: View Article

Be here now: Perceptions of uncertainty enhance savoring: View Article

Wealth, poverty, and happiness: Social class is differentially associated with positive emotions: View Article