Psych Unseen

Brain, Behavior and Belief

Joe Pierre M.D.

Disregarding Science: The Politics of COVID-19 Beliefs

When political beliefs contradict science, the results can be deadly.

Why Aren't Some People Taking COVID-19 More Seriously?

Fear-based risk assessments, misinformation, and conspiracy theories.

Illusory Truth, Lies, and Political Propaganda: Part 2

How the illusory truth effect is exploited in political propaganda. From Russia’s “firehose of falsehood” to Trump’s “alternative facts.”

Illusory Truth, Lies, and Political Propaganda: Part 1

Repeat a lie often enough and people will come to believe it. Here's how the "illusory truth effect" is exploited in political propaganda.

Understanding the Psychology of Conspiracy Theories: Part 2

When do conspiracy theory beliefs become dangerous?

Understanding the Psychology of Conspiracy Theories: Part 1

What kind of personality type believes in conspiracy theories?

The QAnon Conspiracy Theory: Mistrust and Mass Appeal

When mistrust of government transforms into paranoia about the "Deep State."

Can Polarized American Politics Find the Middle Way?

How would a marital counselor approach the Divided States of America?

Vaccine Hesitancy: From Misinformation to Conspiracy Theory

The anti-vaxx movement is a product of mistrust and misinformation.

Delusions, Conspiracy Theories, and the Internet

When "epistemic mistrust" leads you down the misinformation rabbit hole.

Why Do False Flag Conspiracy Theories Follow Mass Shootings?

In the wake of mass shootings, "false flag" denialism and gaslighting are driven by fears of gun reform.

Trepanated skull of a woman, photo by "Rama"

Answering Antipsychiatry

A Q&A on psychiatric medications and responses to the arguments against them.

Flat Earthers Redux: Subjective Belief, Science, and Reality

The search for "personal truth" can take us away from objective reality.

What Makes People Believe in Conspiracy Theories?

Half of the US population believes in at least one conspiracy theory. Does that mean that flat earthers, antivaxxers, birthers, and truthers are "normal"?

Erotomania: When Love Is a Delusion

Does erotomania represent a variant of normal mating behavior gone awry?

Behind the Curve: The Science Fiction of Flat Earthers

A new documentary offers a compassionate and objective glimpse of flat earthers.

Antivaxxers and the Plague of Science Denial

Fraud, misinformation, and conspiracy theories can be a deadly combination.

Now That Hemp Is Legal, Is Cannabidiol (CBD) Legal Too?

Hemp is now legal with the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill. What does that mean for CBD?

3 Healthy Lies We Tell Ourselves

When and why is self-deception associated with mental health?

She Said, He Said, and the Bias of Partisan Belief

What "rings true" and what "rings false" about the Kavanaugh hearings? That depends on who you're asking.

Coca, Cola, and Cannabis: Psychoactive Drugs as Beverages

4 things to know about the past, present, and future of marijuana-infused drinks.

Hurricanes, Homosexuality, and Belief in the Hand of God

Do "gays" cause storms? Is God cruel, capricious, petty, and vindictive? A look at teleological beliefs about hurricanes, the hand of God, and "walls of protection."