RED(es) presented research at the 2026 Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science (APS) through a single paper presentation by Eduardo J. Rivera Pichardo and co-authors Teófilo Espada-Brignoni and Luis Rivera, titled “Perceived Historical Longevity and Social Representations of Colonialism: Divergent Pathways to Social Change and Legitimacy.”

Across three experiments in Puerto Rico. the research investigated how perceptions of colonial historical longevity and developmental representations of colonialism shape political attitudes. Framing Puerto Rico’s colonial status as longstanding increased support for political self-determination. In contrast, developmental representations of Spanish and U.S. colonialism were associated with greater political legitimacy and system justification.

These findings highlight how different understandings of colonial history can shape attitudes toward both social change and the status quo. A manuscript based on this research is currently being prepared for submission.

For more information about this project or to get involved in ongoing research initiatives and collaborations, please contact RED(es): Decolonial & Political Psychology Research Group.

RED(es) presented research at the 2026 Annual Convention of the Association for Psychological Science (APS) through a single paper presentation by Eduardo J. Rivera Pichardo and co-authors Teófilo Espada-Brignoni and Luis Rivera, titled “Perceived Historical Longevity and Social Representations of Colonialism: Divergent Pathways to Social Change and Legitimacy.”

Across three experiments in Puerto Rico. the research investigated how perceptions of colonial historical longevity and developmental representations of colonialism shape political attitudes. Framing Puerto Rico’s colonial status as longstanding increased support for political self-determination. In contrast, developmental representations of Spanish and U.S. colonialism were associated with greater political legitimacy and system justification.

These findings highlight how different understandings of colonial history can shape attitudes toward both social change and the status quo. A manuscript based on this research is currently being prepared for submission.

For more information about this project or to get involved in ongoing research initiatives and collaborations, please contact RED(es): Decolonial & Political Psychology Research Group.