Lab members
Principal Investigator Dr. Sean McCrea
My current research interests broadly focus on the interplay of motivational and cognitive processes. Our laboratory is currently focusing on defensive behaviors in a variety of contexts, particularly self-handicapping behavior and responding to crticism. Other areas of research interest include phases of goal-pursuit, behavior change, and counterfactual thinking.
Matthew Sherrin-Helm, M.S.
Research interests
Intergroup criticism
Gamification
Intrinsic interest
Mandy Alexandre, M.S.
Research interests
Academic achievement among members of vulnerable groups
Self-handicapping
Gabe Beratio, M.A., M.S.
Research interests
Counterfactual thinking
Current Research Activities
Self-handicapping in stigmatized groups
Mindset model of action phases
Responses to group criticism
Counterfactual thinking
Science advocacy
Recent Publications:
Public shaming as a form of deterrence for transgressions involving harm to others CJ Erion, AN Bitter, SM McCrea, K Bartsch (2025). Social Influence, 20 (1), 2495561
Examining the root of intergroup sensitivity: What is the norm underlying defensive reactions to criticism? CJ Erion, SM McCrea (2025). New Ideas in Psychology, 78, 101161
Apologizing for Intergroup Criticism Reduces Rejection of Public Health Officials’ Pro-Vaccine Messages SM McCrea, MR Helm, JL Thürmer, CJ Erion, A Bailey, K Krueger (2025). Health Communication, 40 (8), 1479-1488
Intergroup Criticism Promoted Fan Aggression in Austrian National Team Supporters During the European Football Championship 2024 J Braid, JL Thürmer, SM McCrea, F Richlan (2025). Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 102907
Message source effects on rejection and costly punishment of criticism across cultures JL Thürmer, SM McCrea, H Beck (2025). Communications Psychology, 3 (1), 64
Collective action control: Ubiquitous processes and cultural differences JL Thürmer, K Chen, SM McCrea (2024). Current Opinion in Psychology, 60, 101904
Social impediments to meat-eaters’ adherence to critical calls for a meat-free diet: An experimental test of social norm and message source effects JL Thürmer, C Bamberg, SM McCrea, J Blechert (2024). Appetite, 200, 107528
Respecting conversational norms improves reception of expert messages among unvaccinated individuals SM McCrea, JL Thürmer, MR Helm, CJ Erion, K Krueger (2024). Health Communication, 39 (9), 1795-1806
“The ship is sinking, yet the band plays on”: COVID-19 and academia AN Bitter, SM McCrea (2024). Journal of American College Health, 72 (6), 1876-1885
Intergroup sensitivity in a divided society: Calls for unity and reconciliatory behavior during the 2020 US presidential election JL Thürmer, SM McCrea (2024). Group Processes & Intergroup Relations, 27 (2), 414-431
Grant Activity:
2022-present RAISE: IHBEM: Understanding and Predicting Behavioral Responses to Epidemic Risks and Control Policies: Implications for Epidemiological Models and Policy Design, Co-PI, NSF
2017-2020 A Kinder, Gentler Technology: Enhancing Human-Machine Symbiosis Using Adaptive, Personalized Affect-Aware Systems, PI Domen Novak (UW), NSF 1717705
2015 Treatment noncompliance as a form of self-handicapping behavior, University of Wyoming (PI)
2014 Overcoming collective defensiveness with implementation intentions, University of Konstanz (collaboration with PI Dr. Lukas Thuermer, University of Konstanz)
External Research Collaborators:
Dr. Edward R. Hirt, Indiana University
Dr. Lukas Thuermer, Paris Lodron University, Salzburg (Austria)
Dr. Frank Wieber, Zurich University of Applied Sciences (Switzerland)
Dr. Peter M. Gollwitzer, New York University; University of Konstanz (Germany)
