Watch Frontiers of Social Psychology for free

How do we make decisions, regulate our emotions, and construct meaning from our social world? Frontiers of Social Psychology brings together five of the most influential figures in contemporary psychology to explore the field’s most pressing questions and emerging research directions. With insights from Barbara Fredrickson, Roy Baumeister, Lisa Feldman Barrett, Philip Zimbardo, and Carol Dweck, the film offers a compelling overview of how social psychologists are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of human thought and behavior. Each contributor shares not only key findings from their own work, but also reflects on the broader implications of their research for mental health, education, public policy, and personal well-being. Barbara Fredrickson (UNC Chapel Hill), a pioneer in the study of positive emotions, introduces two powerful ideas that have reshaped affective science: The Undoing Effect, where positive emotions help counteract the physiological effects of stress, and Upward Spirals, which describe how cultivating positive experiences can lead to self-reinforcing cycles of improved health and resilience. Her work provides concrete strategies for enhancing emotional well-being in daily life. Roy Baumeister (University of Queensland) explores the mechanics of self-control, a core element of human functioning. He presents his influential “ego depletion” theory, which suggests that willpower operates like a muscle - limited and exhaustible - and shares the experimental evidence that supports this model. His research has far-reaching implications for everything from addiction recovery to productivity and goal-setting. Philip Zimbardo (Stanford University), well-known for the infamous Stanford Prison Experiment, revisits the central lesson of his work: the power of situational forces in shaping behavior. In a segment titled Situational Denial, Zimbardo argues that even decades after his landmark study, there remains a widespread reluctance to acknowledge the extent to which external circumstances, not just internal traits or free will, drive our actions. He warns that overlooking these forces can blind us to the roots of systemic harm and injustice. Lisa Feldman Barrett (Northeastern University) challenges conventional wisdom about emotions, presenting her research on constructed emotion theory, which proposes that emotions are not universal reactions but complex, brain-based predictions shaped by culture and experience. Her work redefines how we think about emotion, communication, and even artificial intelligence. Carol Dweck (Stanford University), renowned for her groundbreaking concept of mindsets, reflects on how our beliefs about ability and intelligence influence motivation, learning, and achievement. Her “growth mindset” theory has transformed how educators and psychologists approach development and potential, offering hope for more adaptive and resilient responses to failure and challenge. Frontiers of Social Psychology is more than a snapshot of current research - it is a window into how social psychology is continually evolving to meet the complexities of the modern world. Whether examining the roots of emotional life, the limits of free will, or the mechanisms behind personal growth, this documentary highlights the enduring relevance of psychological science in helping us understand ourselves and the societies we live in.