Perceived Responsiveness Increases Tolerance of Attitude Ambivalence and Enhances Intentions to Behave in an Open-Minded Manner
Abstract
Can perceived responsiveness, the belief that meaningful others attend to and react supportively to a core defining feature of the self, shape the structure of attitudes? We predicted that perceived responsiveness fosters open-mindedness, which, in turn, allows people to be simultaneously aware of opposing evaluations of an attitude object. We also hypothesized that this process will result in behavior intentions to consider multiple perspectives about the topic. Furthermore, we predicted that perceived responsiveness will enable people to tolerate accessible opposing evaluations without feeling discomfort. We found consistent support for our hypotheses in four laboratory experiments (Studies 1–3, 5) and a diary study (Study 4). Moreover, we found that perceived responsiveness reduces the perception that one’s initial attitude is correct and valid. These findings indicate that attitude structure and behavior intentions can be changed by an interpersonal variable, unrelated to the attitude itself.
Social-based learning and leadership in school: conflict management training for holistic, relational conflict resolution
Eli Vinokur, Avinoam Yomtovian, Marva Shalev Marom, Guy Itzchakov and Liat Baron
Listening
Navigating conflicts is crucial for promoting positive relationships between
pupils, teachers, and parents. The objective of this paper is to present Social-
Based Learning and Leadership (SBL), an innovative approach to group dynamics
and conflict resolution within the school setting, aiming to foster meaningful
relationships and personal and social growth. The methods of SBL focus on
group evolution by navigating conflicts rooted in higher needs while balancing
the interplay of separation and connection. It proactively embeds prosocial
values and conduct into the school culture, with teachers prioritizing the
wellbeing of others, fostering shared problem-solving, and positive feedback
amid conflicts. Teachers acquire tools to transform the classroom into a “social
laboratory” and constructmeaningful partnerships with parents. Practical conflict
management within the SBL framework involves dynamic group discussions,
shifting fromother blaming to accountability, and reflective group introspection.
Experiential learning through crafted case studies and role-plays enhances
students’ conflict management skills by fostering perspective-taking and
inclusiveness.We conducted a qualitative case study in an SBL training in a school
from 2020 to 2023. These conflict management processes allow the school
community to reimagine conflict as an invaluable educational opportunity,
equipping pupils with essential soft skills for navigating the challenges of the
21st century.
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The effects of listening on speaker and listener while talking about character strengths: an open science school-wide collaboration
Tia Moin, Netta Weinstein, Guy Itzchakov, Amanda Branson, Beth Law, Lydia Yee, Emma Pape, Rebecca Y. M. Cheung, Anthony Haffey, Bhismadev Chakrabarti and Philip Beaman
Listening
Listening is understood to be a foundational element in
practices that rely on effective conversations, but there is
a gap in our understanding of what the effects of highquality
listening are on both the speaker and listener.
This registered report addressed this gap by training one
group of participants to listen well as speakers discuss
their character strengths, allowing us to isolate the role
relational listening plays in strengths-based conversations.
Participants were paired and randomly assigned to a highquality
listening (experimental) or moderate-quality listening
(comparison) condition manipulated through a validated
video-based training. High-quality listening predicted a
more constructive relational experience; specifically, positivity
resonance. Intrapersonal experiences (perceived authenticity
and state anxiety) were not affected. Those who engaged
in high-quality listening expressed a behavioural intention
to continue listening, but condition did not predict a
behavioural intention for speakers to continue applying
character strengths. This is the first evidence of positivity
resonance as a shared outcome between both a speaker and listener when the listener conveys high-quality (as opposed to ‘everyday’) listening. These early
findings merit further study with stronger listening manipulations to explore the potential role
of listening within interpersonal communication, and inform the applied psychological sciences
(counselling, psychotherapy, coaching, organizational, education).
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