🌿 Article Review: Cool People by Pezzuti, Warren & Chen (2025)

Published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General

🌟 What Makes Someone Truly Cool?

The concept of “cool” might seem like something we just feel — a vibe, a charisma, a way of being. But is there something deeper, more universal at play? This global study by Pezzuti, Warren, and Chen explored that question across 13 countries, asking nearly 6,000 people to name someone they found “cool” and describe their traits.

Rather than being about trendiness or surface-level popularity, what emerged was a shared recognition of certain qualities — pointing to something much more rooted in human psychology than we might think.

🌍 A Shared Language of Coolness

Despite vast cultural differences, people across the globe agreed on what “cool” looks like. The study found six traits consistently associated with cool people:

• Extraversion (outgoing, sociable)
• Hedonism (joy-seeking, pleasure-focused)
• Power (influence, presence)
• Adventurousness (willing to take risks)
• Openness (receptive to new ideas and experiences)
• Autonomy (independent and self-directed)

This tells us that “cool” isn’t just a Western or media-driven idea — it’s something humans across cultures recognise as compelling, perhaps even aspirational.

🧠 The Psychology Behind Cool

This study offers an evidence-based look at coolness through a psychological lens. Rather than relying on trends, it identifies consistent traits that people admire and are drawn to. And these traits suggest more than style — they reflect personality, freedom, and a certain boldness.

💬 Coolness Isn’t Just About Being Liked

Interestingly, people seen as cool weren’t necessarily described as warm or agreeable. In fact, they often challenged social expectations or stood apart from the crowd. Unlike being “nice,” coolness had a sharper edge. It wasn’t about pleasing others — it was about being grounded in oneself, often unapologetically.

❤️ Cool vs. Kind: A Subtle but Powerful Difference

While cool people were admired, kind people were trusted and liked. The distinction matters — especially in relationships and therapy. Kindness is about connection, safety, and care. Coolness can be about inspiration and individuality. One invites closeness, the other admiration. Both matter, but for different reasons.

🌈 Why We’re Drawn to Edgy, Authentic People

Cool people often represent the parts of us we long to express — our courage, creativity, or autonomy. We’re drawn to those who live boldly and authentically because they reflect what might be possible in us too. They model freedom, especially from social constraints. That’s powerful.

🧭 Coolness and the Self: What It Means for Identity

How we view ourselves — and who we aspire to be — is shaped by these collective ideas. For people exploring their identity, particularly in therapy, unpacking these cultural messages can be transformative. Who have you learned is “cool”? Do you feel pressure to match that? Do you want to?

🔥 The Courage to Be Different

One of the most powerful findings was that coolness is deeply tied to nonconformity. Those considered cool are often not trying to fit in. They’re trying to be real. They show us the strength in stepping outside the lines — in being different, even when it’s risky.

🤝 Being Cool Without Losing Connection

It’s possible — and in many ways ideal — to hold both autonomy and connection. The cool people in this study were admired for standing out, but they didn’t necessarily push people away. They often had a quiet warmth, a presence that didn’t demand conformity. That balance can be a beautiful aspiration — to be true to yourself while still being open to others.

💡 What Coolness Teaches Us About Human Needs

At its heart, coolness seems to reflect some core human needs:

• The need to be free
• The need to be seen
• The need to express who we are
• The need to inspire and be inspired

This makes the study deeply relevant in therapeutic spaces. It invites us to reflect on how we relate to influence, self-expression, belonging, and resistance. When we work with identity, shame, or authenticity, we’re often brushing up against these same themes.

✨ Final Reflection

Coolness isn’t just about aesthetics or rebellion. It’s a story we tell about power, presence, and possibility. This study reminds us that being “cool” is less about fitting in — and more about standing out with heart.

🧾 Reference (APA 7th):

Pezzuti, T., Warren, C., & Chen, J. (2025). Cool people. Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/xge0001799

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