Psychologist Dr. Philip Zimbardo, known for the controversial Stanford Prison Experiment studying evil, has passed away at the age of 91. Stanford University confirmed his death on October 14 at his San Francisco home, without disclosing the cause. The 1971 study involved college-aged males in a mock prison on campus, ending abruptly in six days due to psychological abuse by student guards and distress among student prisoners. Zimbardo faced criticism for actively participating as the superintendent, blurring neutrality. The study, used in psychology classes, delves into evil and research ethics with humans.
Zimbardo’s versatile research spanned topics like persuasion, hypnosis, cults, shyness, time perspective, and altruism. Survived by his wife, Christina Maslach Zimbardo, three children, and four grandchildren, his contributions extended beyond the prison experiment. His work remains influential in various areas of psychology, shaping understanding and ethical considerations within the field.
Zimbardo’s legacy endures through his impactful research and continued relevance in the field of psychology. Colleagues, students, and the psychological community mourn his loss and remember his contributions to understanding human behaviour.