Shadow Boxing

Psychopathy

Why It's So Hard to Predict Psychopathy

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on May 22, 2023

Despite headline-grabbing research claims about the preferences and behaviors of psychopaths, the construct of psychopathy is not that simple.

Despite headline-grabbing research claims about the preferences and behaviors of psychopaths, the construct of psychopathy is not that simple.

Serial Killers

Do Serial Killers Have Unique Insight?

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on April 27, 2023

Must we really consult a Hannibal Lecter to enhance the chance of catching other killers? The truth might surprise you.

Must we really consult a Hannibal Lecter to enhance the chance of catching other killers? The truth might surprise you.

Serial Killers

How Do Serial Killers Want to Be Remembered?

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on April 10, 2023

Briar Lee Mitchell interviewed a group of serial killers about their post-incarceration experience and self-perception for her new book.

Briar Lee Mitchell interviewed a group of serial killers about their post-incarceration experience and self-perception for her new book.

Psychiatry

The Psychiatrist and the Strangler

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on March 31, 2023

The recent Hulu movie about the Boston Strangler focuses on the work of two female reporters but plays loose with the truth about the person in whom DeSalvo wanted to confide.

The recent Hulu movie about the Boston Strangler focuses on the work of two female reporters but plays loose with the truth about the person in whom DeSalvo wanted to confide.

Mass Shootings

Mass Shootings and Mental Illness: Which Research Is Right?

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on March 22, 2023

Comprehensive studies vary on the impact of serious mental illness on mass shootings, but all agree that it's lower than the public believes.

Comprehensive studies vary on the impact of serious mental illness on mass shootings, but all agree that it's lower than the public believes.

Pornography

The Predator’s Greatest Trick

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on March 8, 2023

Parental vigilance for online predators should include even contacts with their kids from seemingly trustworthy adults.

Parental vigilance for online predators should include even contacts with their kids from seemingly trustworthy adults.

Ethics and Morality

Mass Shooters and the Myth That Evil Is Obvious

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on March 1, 2023

Lynne Fenton, the psychiatrist who treated mass murderer James Holmes, describes her experience of her former patient and her traumatizing ordeal in the media.

Lynne Fenton, the psychiatrist who treated mass murderer James Holmes, describes her experience of her former patient and her traumatizing ordeal in the media.

Intelligence

Giving Your Character Observational Intelligence

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on February 13, 2023

Investigative journalist uses own experience to develop a fictional character with a vigilant mind.

Investigative journalist uses own experience to develop a fictional character with a vigilant mind.

Law and Crime

Youthful Killers Need In-Depth Review

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on February 3, 2023

Although courts have grown careful about criminal responsibility for kids, guidelines are lacking. This study offers an evidence-based approach to fairness in evaluations.

Although courts have grown careful about criminal responsibility for kids, guidelines are lacking. This study offers an evidence-based approach to fairness in evaluations.

Bias

The Dead Keep a Record, Sometimes Disturbing

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on January 27, 2023

Michael Baden's new memoir captures his long career as a medical examiner and his efforts to fight social injustice and racial bias in our criminal justice system.

Michael Baden's new memoir captures his long career as a medical examiner and his efforts to fight social injustice and racial bias in our criminal justice system.

Law and Crime

Forensic Psychology, Criminology, or Criminal Psych: A Guide

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on January 11, 2023

When the media reports on professionals in psychology and criminology, mislabeling can confuse those who are interested in careers in these fields.

When the media reports on professionals in psychology and criminology, mislabeling can confuse those who are interested in careers in these fields.

Sex

5 Tips for Helping Kids Resist Sexual Predators

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on December 29, 2022

Although your kids are vulnerable to sexual predators, you can arm them and yourself for better protection.

Although your kids are vulnerable to sexual predators, you can arm them and yourself for better protection.

Genetics

My Daddy’s a Serial Killer

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on November 4, 2022

A woman in Iowa claims her father's one of the country's top serial killers. Is there any reason to doubt her?

A woman in Iowa claims her father's one of the country's top serial killers. Is there any reason to doubt her?

Depression

How Can a Healthcare Serial Killer Be Spotted and Stopped?

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on October 27, 2022

"The Good Nurse," about healthcare serial killer Charles Cullen, shows systemic healthcare failures but falls short on his predatory motives.

"The Good Nurse," about healthcare serial killer Charles Cullen, shows systemic healthcare failures but falls short on his predatory motives.

Trust

Nurses Who Kill Babies Exploit Systems of Trust

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on October 17, 2022

An ongoing trial of a nurse accused of killing babies spotlights both motive and the need for improved safeguards for the most vulnerable patients.

An ongoing trial of a nurse accused of killing babies spotlights both motive and the need for improved safeguards for the most vulnerable patients.

Attention

Sniper Serial Killers' Narrow Range of Motives

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on October 6, 2022

The Stockton serial killer might have a mission that can assist law enforcement to anticipate his future moves.

The Stockton serial killer might have a mission that can assist law enforcement to anticipate his future moves.

Law and Crime

Journalists Who Analyze Criminal Minds Might Be Making Monsters

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on September 22, 2022

Crime journalists who enhance facts about killers with fictional ploys risk the credibility of their profession.

Crime journalists who enhance facts about killers with fictional ploys risk the credibility of their profession.

Law and Crime

Forensic Psychology in Crime Fiction

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on September 7, 2022

A survey of crime fiction that uses forensic psychologists shows that their primary role as profilers shortchanges the profession.

A survey of crime fiction that uses forensic psychologists shows that their primary role as profilers shortchanges the profession.

Law and Crime

Psychological Research for Writers

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on September 5, 2022

Novelist Joyce Woollcott explores her Northern Ireland roots to create a police procedural with psychological challenges.

Novelist Joyce Woollcott explores her Northern Ireland roots to create a police procedural with psychological challenges.

Motivation

Why Would People Push Themselves to Emotional Turmoil to Find Buried Treasure?

Katherine Ramsland Ph.D. on August 26, 2022

Why would some people put everything at risk in pursuit of a buried treasure?

Why would some people put everything at risk in pursuit of a buried treasure?