PsychologyAugust 30, 2026

sociocognitive

SO-see-oh-KOG-nuh-tiv

Definition

Relating to the interaction of social factors and cognitive processes in shaping how people think, perceive, and behave.

Etymology

A compound word derived from 'socio-', relating to society or social aspects, and 'cognitive', relating to the mental processes of knowledge and thought; it emerged in 20th-century academic English to describe the intersection of these two fields.

In the news

The term is used in a reference citation to describe the psychological processes behind 'ideological obsession,' highlighting how social and mental frameworks drive extremist behavior.

How researchers lowered violent extremism among January 6th insurrection supporters.

Read the full article ↗

Psychology Today

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