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Craig Harper Ph.D.

About

Dr. Craig Harper is an academic and psychological scientist. His research interests lie in the psychological processes that underpin decision-making in relation to controversial social and political topics. Although the vast majority of his research has been focused on how people form and express attitudes towards people with sexual convictions, he is interested in views about sexuality more generally and its atypical expression, as well as political polarization and ideological-driven behaviors.

Dr. Harper has written numerous peer-reviewed publications and given talks at multiple international conferences. In addition, he is the co-author or editor of two forthcoming books, focusing on image-based sexual abuse and internet-mediated sexual crime.

He is a member of the Heterodox Academy, which seeks to promote viewpoint diversity and reduce political polarization in higher education.

Books by Craig Harper Ph.D.
Recent Posts
Quiet Quitting and the Future of Work
Quiet quitting is a new trend in employment to reduce stress and burnout. But what does this phenomenon look like, and what does it mean for the future of work?
Why Some Psychopaths Succeed
Psychopathy is usually seen as a collection of personality traits leading to negative outcomes, but new data suggest some psychopaths can use their traits to be successful.
How Narcissism Is Tearing Us Apart
Modern democratic societies are increasingly polarized along ideological and political lines. One social psychological trait might help us understand why.
Peter McGraw's benign violations theory of humor suggests that comedy relies on jokes hitting the central sweet-spot in this Venn diagram
Cancel Culture Will Kill Stand-Up Comedy

Many people state that cancel culture will be the death of comedy as we know it - psychological research can tell us why that is probably the case if we don't reflect on ideology.

Many people state that cancel culture will be the death of comedy as we know it - psychological research can tell us why that is probably the case if we don't reflect on ideology.

Our values guide how we see the world, but can variations in value endorsement explain political polarization?
What Can Studying Values Tell Us About Political Extremism?

As our democracies continue to fracture under the stresses of political polarization, new data shows how values might shape the extent to which somebody endorses extreme positions.

As our democracies continue to fracture under the stresses of political polarization, new data shows how values might shape the extent to which somebody endorses extreme positions.

With pornography's ubiquity in contemporary life, is it time to rethink our assumptions about its association with offending?
Most Sex Offenders Do Not Rely on Scripts Learned from Porn

Many assume that those convicted of sexual offenses learn their deviance from pornography, but is this accurate? New research suggests that we might be mistaken in our beliefs.

Many assume that those convicted of sexual offenses learn their deviance from pornography, but is this accurate? New research suggests that we might be mistaken in our beliefs.

Online groups of 'involuntarily celibate' men have hit the headlines in recent years, but little is known of their psychology
Inside the Minds of the Incels

Research shows poor mental health and a sense of interpersonal victimhood characterize groups of involuntarily celibate men, incels, contrasting their portrayal in media coverage.

Research shows poor mental health and a sense of interpersonal victimhood characterize groups of involuntarily celibate men, incels, contrasting their portrayal in media coverage.

Low sexual desire in men can cause of shame and sadness, but new research shows how reappraising sex can be beneficial.
Reframing Sex Can Improve Well-Being in Men with Low Desire

Low sexual desire among men is more common than most expect, but how can couples effectively cope with this situation together? New data suggests cognitive styles hold the key.

Low sexual desire among men is more common than most expect, but how can couples effectively cope with this situation together? New data suggests cognitive styles hold the key.

Paranormal experiences have a sort of mysticism about them, but what do they tell us about believers' mental wellbeing?
Do Paranormal Beliefs Indicate Poor Mental Health?

People often malign those who believe in the paranormal as "crazy," but new data starts to crack this stereotype. Such beliefs may not always be what they seem.

People often malign those who believe in the paranormal as "crazy," but new data starts to crack this stereotype. Such beliefs may not always be what they seem.