Out of Character

The surprising truths about the liar, cheat, sinner (and saint) lurking in all of us
by David DeSteno, Ph.D., and Piercarlo Valdesolo, Ph.D.

We're All Flagellants at Heart

By David DeSteno, Ph.D. on March 18, 2011 in Out of Character

Self-flagellation, it seems, has always been with us.  From ancient cults of Isis and Dionysus, to the roaming flagellants of the European Middle Ages, to current examples of self-crucifixion in the Philippines in the Easter season and zanjeer (ritual self-infliction of pain, often with a chain) in many Islamic nations on the Day of Ashura.  Most of us recoil when we see these behavio Read More

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David DeSteno, Ph.D.

David DeSteno, Ph.D., directs the Social Emotions Group at Northeastern University.

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