Social Instincts

Covering the science and psychology of human behavior

Mark Travers Ph.D.

How Do Dark Personalities Use Humor?

Humor can be a double-edged sword, according to new research.

3 Tips to Boost Self-Confidence

Confidence is a skill anyone can learn, new psychological research shows.

3 New Findings on Beating Bad Habits

Do you exercise your free will to its fullest potential?

3 Things You Can Do Today to Feel More Fulfilled

You do not have to wait for years to live a fulfilling life, new research shows.

Paranormal Experiences Are the Norm, Not the Exception

Building a better understanding of paranormal phenomena.

Change These 3 Beliefs to Strengthen Your Character

The strength of your character may have roots in your beliefs about the world.

Research Shows Bad Effects of Teaching Children the World Is a Dangerous Place

Passing on negative "primals" may distort your child’s worldview.

Should You Use Hate to Fuel Your Life's Purpose?

A new study explains how a certain kind of hatred can give your life meaning.

3 Ways Instagram Changes the Way You See Yourself

Living through images on social media may be skewing adolescents’ sense of reality.

3 Qualities That Can Push You Toward Singlehood

A new study explores the traits that lead some people to prefer to be single.

Are You Being Used by Your Partner?

A new study sheds light on an uncomfortable truth about many intimate relationships.

3 Ways to Incorporate a Sense of Bliss Into Your Life

New research teaches us about the difference between happiness and bliss.

3 Hurdles Most Long-Term Relationships Inevitably Face

Research offers new solutions to age-old relationship problems.

Mood Has Less Control Over Behavior Than We Think

New research points out a common error we make when it comes to our behavior.

What Should Be Done to Fix Adolescent Mental Health?

Ross Szabo, former Director of Outreach of the National Mental Health Awareness Campaign and founder of Human Power Project, shared his opinion on the topic.

Perfectionism Can Lead to Depression. Here’s How to Tame It

How perfectionism often leads to depression and social disconnection.

Why Some Young Adults Are So Sensitive to Instagram Feedback

Research explores why social media means so much to teenagers and young adults.

2 Rules for Asking a Partner to Change

New research simplifies the process of incorporating change in a relationship.

The Quality That Makes Some Psychopaths So Successful

New research reveals how psychopathy and charisma sometimes go hand-in-hand.

One Reason It's Hard to Build a Healthy Relationship with a Narcissist

A new study uncovers another reason why it is difficult to date a narcissist.

How Sexually Compliant Are Men?

How does the endorsement of traditional gender-role beliefs and male sexuality stereotypes affect sexual compliance in heterosexual men?

7 Aspects of Feeling Objectified and How to Overcome Them

Expressing gratitude may be the most effective way to combat objectification.

The Fine Line Between Selective Eating and Orthorexia

A psychiatrist tells us what we need to know about avoiding certain food groups.

Good Listening Starts With This Personality Trait

Recent research highlights two ways to become a better listener.

Can Humor Preferences Reveal Who Has a Dark Personality?

Psychologists offer a new way to tell if one has undesirable personality traits.

6 Things That Make Us Feel Rejected

New research explores the pain of rejection and how to effectively combat it.

Highly Mindful Individuals Have These 3 Things in Common

New research shows that although personality is perceived as relatively stable throughout an individual’s life, mindfulness can be malleable through practice and therapy.

How Traumatic Childhood Experiences Affect People in Adulthood

A troubled childhood can cause imbalances in how we see risks and rewards.

3 Personality Matches to Look for When Dating Someone New

New research examines the personality similarities that lead to romantic success.

3 Reasons Why Visiting an Art Museum Can Boost Your Mood

New research suggests that consuming art can help us feel happy.

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