Modern Minds

Evolutionary Psychology

Why Yawns Help Us Spot Spiders and Cockroaches Faster

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on September 16, 2025

Want to be better at spotting spiders and cockroaches? New evolutionary psychology research shows that people who saw videos of others yawning were faster at spotting these pests.

Want to be better at spotting spiders and cockroaches? New evolutionary psychology research shows that people who saw videos of others yawning were faster at spotting these pests.

Dark Tetrad

When Cruelty Feels Good: The Power of the Dark Tetrad

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on September 11, 2025

Research finds that sadism predicts everyday cruelty such as online trolling and bullying, making it a crucial addition to the Dark Triad model.

Research finds that sadism predicts everyday cruelty such as online trolling and bullying, making it a crucial addition to the Dark Triad model.

Adolescence

5 Ways Teens Can Break the Phone Scrolling-Sadness Cycle

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on July 25, 2025

Depression rates among teens are rising—and research points to screen time as a culprit. But there’s good news: Here are five ways to turn things around.

Depression rates among teens are rising—and research points to screen time as a culprit. But there’s good news: Here are five ways to turn things around.

Suicide

Is the 988 Suicide & Crisis Hotline Being Underused?

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on July 6, 2025

Suicide prevention experts are asking: Is the 988 lifeline reaching those who need it most? A closer look reveals underuse in many states, including Pennsylvania.

Suicide prevention experts are asking: Is the 988 lifeline reaching those who need it most? A closer look reveals underuse in many states, including Pennsylvania.

Happiness

Why Good People Are Happier People

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on June 2, 2025

Stronger relationships, a firmer sense of self, and more.

Stronger relationships, a firmer sense of self, and more.

Personality

What Kind of Drunk Are You: Hemingway or Mary Poppins?

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on May 22, 2025

Psychologists have identified four "drunk personality" types—Ernest Hemingway, Mary Poppins, the Nutty Professor, and Mr. Hyde—reflecting how alcohol may change personalities

Psychologists have identified four "drunk personality" types—Ernest Hemingway, Mary Poppins, the Nutty Professor, and Mr. Hyde—reflecting how alcohol may change personalities

Gender

Femicide: When Gender Becomes a Target

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on May 15, 2025

Valeria Márquez, 23, a TikTok influencer in Mexico, was shot dead while livestreaming. Her death highlights the dark psychology behind femicide and violence against women.

Valeria Márquez, 23, a TikTok influencer in Mexico, was shot dead while livestreaming. Her death highlights the dark psychology behind femicide and violence against women.

Personality

5 Strange Ideas for Personality Improvement

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on May 6, 2025

Intentional behavior can shift personality traits over time. Unconventional interventions—like using alter egos or curating your environment—can spark powerful internal changes.

Intentional behavior can shift personality traits over time. Unconventional interventions—like using alter egos or curating your environment—can spark powerful internal changes.

Body Image

How High-School Popularity May Shape Adult Health

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on April 24, 2025

Especially for women, youthful status can predict adult weight.

Especially for women, youthful status can predict adult weight.

Emotions

A Wearable Sticker Can Detect True Emotions

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on April 22, 2025

What if your body could tell the truth—even when your face couldn’t? A new wearable device may be the future of emotional transparency.

What if your body could tell the truth—even when your face couldn’t? A new wearable device may be the future of emotional transparency.

Personality Change

Personality Change Is Possible

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on April 16, 2025

What if your personality isn't set in stone? New research suggests you might have more power to change than you ever imagined, if you're willing to put in the work.

What if your personality isn't set in stone? New research suggests you might have more power to change than you ever imagined, if you're willing to put in the work.

Suicide

How Celebrity Suicides Boost Copycat Behavior

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on March 13, 2025

The tragic deaths of public figures can have far-reaching effects—how does media coverage shape the ripple effect on vulnerable individuals?

The tragic deaths of public figures can have far-reaching effects—how does media coverage shape the ripple effect on vulnerable individuals?

Law and Crime

3 Reasons We Love True Crime and Unsolved Mysteries

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on January 25, 2025

In uncertain times, true crime provides a way to process real-world anxieties in a structured narrative, offering both excitement and a sense of control.

In uncertain times, true crime provides a way to process real-world anxieties in a structured narrative, offering both excitement and a sense of control.

Narcissism

How National Narcissism Fuels Isolation

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on January 19, 2025

People high in national narcissism seek validation for their nation’s greatness but often feel this recognition is lacking. This unmet expectation can lead to social isolation.

People high in national narcissism seek validation for their nation’s greatness but often feel this recognition is lacking. This unmet expectation can lead to social isolation.

Gaslighting

The 5 Worst Things We Do to Each Other, Psychologically

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on December 31, 2024

Triangulation, the silent treatment, and more.

Triangulation, the silent treatment, and more.

Depression

Why 'Lizard Brain' Deepens Anxiety and Depression

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on December 30, 2024

Depressed, anxious, and stuck? Your "lizard brain" may be part of the problem. New research shows how the amygdala helps us to figure out others’ mental states.

Depressed, anxious, and stuck? Your "lizard brain" may be part of the problem. New research shows how the amygdala helps us to figure out others’ mental states.

Suicide

Surging Suicide Rates May Be Cause for Worry

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on October 9, 2024

The annual U.S. suicide rate increased 30 percent between 2000 and 2020, reaching an all-time high in 2023 with 14.7 suicides per 100,000 people. But why?

The annual U.S. suicide rate increased 30 percent between 2000 and 2020, reaching an all-time high in 2023 with 14.7 suicides per 100,000 people. But why?

Social Media

Can't Stop Judging Others? 5 Ways to Undo a Critical Mindset

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on September 30, 2024

Tired of being quick to judge? From ditching social media to curbing your biases, try these science-backed tips to control the impulse to judge and criticize others.

Tired of being quick to judge? From ditching social media to curbing your biases, try these science-backed tips to control the impulse to judge and criticize others.

Diet

How Glowing Skin Could Reveal a Healthy Gut

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on September 29, 2024

Those who eat a stable diet of fruits, vegetables, and other carotenoid-rich foods may be perceived as healthy and attractive due to a yellowish glow of skin produced by the diet.

Those who eat a stable diet of fruits, vegetables, and other carotenoid-rich foods may be perceived as healthy and attractive due to a yellowish glow of skin produced by the diet.

Forgiveness

Five Ways to Apologize Like You Mean It

Kevin Bennett Ph.D. on July 3, 2024

Discover the science of sincere apologies with five research-backed strategies to repair relationships and rebuild trust in any social or professional setting.

Discover the science of sincere apologies with five research-backed strategies to repair relationships and rebuild trust in any social or professional setting.