I am a PhD student at the Institute of Psychology at the Jagiellonian University. My primary research interest lies in the domain of psychology of activism and group processes, with a particular focus on in-group conflicts among activists and socially engaged individuals. My research centers on the investigation of the role that diverse identities play in the emergence of conflicts and the exploration of potential ways for conflict resolution. Additionally, I am interested in the phenomena of extremism, motivation, and radicalization within the context of politics.

karolinaa.bonarska@doctoral.uj.edu.pl

Current projects

  1. “The role of multiple identities in the context of group work and intragroup conflicts among activists and social activists” – PhD project
  2. “How Frustration of low and high order needs Affects extremism and radicalization vs. cohesion and prosociality”. Project leader: dr Erica Molinario.

Past projects

  1. Równowaga w przełączaniu się pomiędzy celami – od wielozadaniowości do ekstremizmu”, Narodowe Centrum Nauki (grant OPUS), 2021–2025. Project leader: dr Ewa Szumowska

Publications

Papers in English

  1. Bonarska, K., Cacek, J., Szumowska, E., Śmieja, M., & Kruglanski, A. W. (2025). Fear of being single and extreme behaviors aimed at finding a romantic partner. Acta Psychologica, 254, 104868.
  2. Izydorczyk, B., Gruszka, A., Kałwak, W., Wendołowska, A., Weziak–Bialowolska, D., Czyżowska, D., Bonarska, K., … & Sitnik-Warchulska, K. (2025). Polycrisis, emotional regulation, personality traits, and well-being of young people entering adulthood. Social Indicators Research, 1-24.
  3. Kałwak, W., Weziak-Bialowolska, D., Wendołowska, A., Bonarska, K., Sitnik-Warchulska, K., Bańbura, A., … & Izydorczyk, B. (2024). Young adults from disadvantaged groups experience more stress and deterioration in mental health associated with polycrisis. Scientific reports, 14(1), 8757