Psychologist Philip Zimbardo Dies at 91

Philip G. Zimbardo, the influential psychologist renowned for the controversial Stanford Prison Experiment, passed away at the age of 91 on October 14, 2024, at his home in San Francisco. Zimbardo's 1971 study revealed the psychological impacts of imprisonment, where participants displayed abusive behavior as guards and emotional distress as prisoners, resulting in the experiment's early termination after just six days. His work, which also encompassed topics like persuasion, shyness, and the nature of evil, significantly contributed to the public's understanding of human behavior and the ethics of psychological research. Zimbardo was criticized for his active role in the study, which undermined the neutrality expected from researchers. He is survived by his wife, three children, and four grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy that continues to influence psychology education and discourse.