Unique—Like Everybody Else

Personality

The Final Word on Astrology and Personality

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on June 30, 2022

A large-scale study finds that people’s birth signs have no bearing at all on their personality, even if they believe in astrology.

A large-scale study finds that people’s birth signs have no bearing at all on their personality, even if they believe in astrology.

Personality

Who Advocates Political Violence?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on June 28, 2022

Personality traits might differentiate extremists on the right and the left.

Personality traits might differentiate extremists on the right and the left.

Bias

Do Fantasy Role-Playing Games Promote Racism?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on June 25, 2022

Despite hand-wringing about problematic content, evidence that games like D&D enable racism are lacking.

Despite hand-wringing about problematic content, evidence that games like D&D enable racism are lacking.

Spirituality

Mysticism and Spiritual Intelligence: Reality or Fantasy?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on March 28, 2022

A study links mystical experience to “spiritual intelligence” but also to magical thinking. Underlying all of these may be a common personality trait of absorption.

A study links mystical experience to “spiritual intelligence” but also to magical thinking. Underlying all of these may be a common personality trait of absorption.

Spirituality

Can “Spiritual Intelligence” Explain Mystical Experiences?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on March 27, 2022

A recent study tries to explain mystical experiences using the questionable concept of “spiritual intelligence."

A recent study tries to explain mystical experiences using the questionable concept of “spiritual intelligence."

Magical Thinking

Why Women Are More Likely to Believe in the Supernatural

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on March 23, 2022

Women are more likely to believe in the paranormal. Many explanations have been offered for this, but none completely account for this striking difference.

Women are more likely to believe in the paranormal. Many explanations have been offered for this, but none completely account for this striking difference.

Narcissism

Who Believes in Astrology? The Odd Role of Narcissism

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on December 29, 2021

A study finds that the opposing traits of narcissism and agreeableness each predict belief in astrology. This may be why.

A study finds that the opposing traits of narcissism and agreeableness each predict belief in astrology. This may be why.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Does Social Media Foster COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on December 25, 2021

People who get their news from platforms like Facebook and YouTube are more likely to believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories than Twitter users.

People who get their news from platforms like Facebook and YouTube are more likely to believe in COVID-19 conspiracy theories than Twitter users.

Openness

The Psychedelic Heart

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on December 21, 2021

A study finds that lifetime psychedelic use is associated with reduced odds of having heart disease or diabetes. However, why this intriguing result was found remains unclear.

A study finds that lifetime psychedelic use is associated with reduced odds of having heart disease or diabetes. However, why this intriguing result was found remains unclear.

Dark Triad

A Connection Between Dark Triad Traits and Attitudes to Having Children

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on September 26, 2021

People with socially aversive “dark” traits,” particularly psychopathy and Machiavellianism, not only are cynical about humanity, but take a negative view of procreation.

People with socially aversive “dark” traits,” particularly psychopathy and Machiavellianism, not only are cynical about humanity, but take a negative view of procreation.

Dark Triad

Are Dark Triad Traits Adaptive?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on September 25, 2021

Among the dark triad of personality, psychopathy and Machiavellianism may be bad for one’s own health and well-being, not just that of others.

Among the dark triad of personality, psychopathy and Machiavellianism may be bad for one’s own health and well-being, not just that of others.

Anxiety

The Unexpected Relationship Between Ideology and Anxiety

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on September 20, 2021

Despite claims that conservatives are more sensitive to threats, evidence suggests that people with left-wing economic views may be more likely to have anxiety disorders.

Despite claims that conservatives are more sensitive to threats, evidence suggests that people with left-wing economic views may be more likely to have anxiety disorders.

Empathy

Empathy Inhibits Violent Online Role-Play, Psychopathy Facilitates It

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on June 27, 2021

Psychopathic traits are associated with preference for violent player vs. player action and less interest in non-violent role-playing.

Psychopathic traits are associated with preference for violent player vs. player action and less interest in non-violent role-playing.

Conscientiousness

How People Express Their Real Selves in Virtual Worlds

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on June 22, 2021

Despite the freedom to be whoever they want to be, most people’s behavior in a virtual world reflects who they are in real life.

Despite the freedom to be whoever they want to be, most people’s behavior in a virtual world reflects who they are in real life.

Health

Personality and Health-Related Behavior in the Pandemic

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on June 14, 2021

During the pandemic, public health messages have been used to encourage health behavior. Appealing to people with "dark" personality traits is likely to be very challenging.

During the pandemic, public health messages have been used to encourage health behavior. Appealing to people with "dark" personality traits is likely to be very challenging.

Creativity

What Role Does the Dark Triad Play in Creativity?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on March 23, 2021

Among the “Dark Triad” of personality traits, narcissism is more tightly linked to creativity than Machiavellianism and psychopathy.

Among the “Dark Triad” of personality traits, narcissism is more tightly linked to creativity than Machiavellianism and psychopathy.

Health

Personality Traits, Mental Illness, and Ideology

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on March 17, 2021

Survey data show that extreme liberals have poorer mental health than conservatives. Could this be linked to greater emotional vulnerability?

Survey data show that extreme liberals have poorer mental health than conservatives. Could this be linked to greater emotional vulnerability?

Health

Do Psychedelic Drugs Improve Health?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on March 11, 2021

An intriguing study finds that psychedelic drug users report better health and less obesity. Could their more open personalities be a factor?

An intriguing study finds that psychedelic drug users report better health and less obesity. Could their more open personalities be a factor?

Sensation-Seeking

Why Fans of Horror Movies May Be More Resilient

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on December 24, 2020

A study finds that horror movie fans have been less distressed during the COVID outbreak. This might be because of higher sensation-seeking.

A study finds that horror movie fans have been less distressed during the COVID outbreak. This might be because of higher sensation-seeking.

Dark Triad

Why Do Antiheroes Appeal to People With Dark Traits?

Scott A. McGreal MSc. on December 20, 2020

A study finds that pop culture 'antiheroes' are particularly appealing to people with antisocial personality traits.

A study finds that pop culture 'antiheroes' are particularly appealing to people with antisocial personality traits.