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The Shape of Traits

Insights into Personalities Real and Fictional

Personality
What Halloween Can Tell You About Personality Change

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on October 29, 2018

Wondering what to think about while traipsing around the neighborhood? Perhaps you could change your life!

Wondering what to think about while traipsing around the neighborhood? Perhaps you could change your life!

Self-Esteem
What Is Hypersensitivity?

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on October 26, 2018

Are you or someone you know a little bit too sensitive at times? What thoughts and expectations cause this hypersensitivity?

Are you or someone you know a little bit too sensitive at times? What thoughts and expectations cause this hypersensitivity?

Burnout
The Psychology of Blind Dates

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on September 25, 2018

Worried that you're not looking forward to a blind date? It could be a sign that you're feeling burnout at work.

Worried that you're not looking forward to a blind date? It could be a sign that you're feeling burnout at work.

Have we reached peak Pacman?
Personality
The Personality of Great Soccer Players

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on July 12, 2018

Have you ever wondered what soccer players can teach us about personality and hard work?

Have you ever wondered what soccer players can teach us about personality and hard work?

Trust
Can We Only Trust Selfish People to Be Themselves?

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on June 29, 2018

Thoughts from John Steinbeck and Kohlberg on whether people become less predictable as they mature.

Thoughts from John Steinbeck and Kohlberg on whether people become less predictable as they mature.

Laughter
Does the Pope Laugh Too Much?

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on May 23, 2018

In "Pope Francis: A Man Of His Word", the Pope suggests we should laugh more. Should we?

In "Pope Francis: A Man Of His Word", the Pope suggests we should laugh more. Should we?

Environment
When “You Go First” Goes Burst

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on May 23, 2018

Are you worried about whether you have a handle on politeness in the current world? Perhaps this can help.

Are you worried about whether you have a handle on politeness in the current world? Perhaps this can help.

Cognition
How Do We Deal With Failed Predictions?

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on February 8, 2018

Do you struggle with the times you fail to predict people's behavior correctly? Maybe the great psychologists can give you some advice.

Do you struggle with the times you fail to predict people's behavior correctly? Maybe the great psychologists can give you some advice.

Personality
Should others ever get to define me?

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on December 31, 2017

Are there some things that can only be defined by others? Is that even fair in the modern world?

Are there some things that can only be defined by others? Is that even fair in the modern world?

Environment
The Lie You Were Taught About Your Eyes

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on December 30, 2017

Do the pupils in your eyes adjust for what you think you will be seeing next? Thoughts on research and a trip to the zoo.

Do the pupils in your eyes adjust for what you think you will be seeing next? Thoughts on research and a trip to the zoo.

Freudian Psychology
Freud and #MeToo

J. P. Gerber, Ph.D. on December 30, 2017

Have you wondered how Freud's views on mental illness relate to the #MeToo movement? It's not a happy story but perhaps we can do something about it.

Have you wondered how Freud's views on mental illness relate to the #MeToo movement? It's not a happy story but perhaps we can do something about it.