The Human Equation

Serial killers, self-reliance, and everything in between

Joni E Johnston Psy.D.

Identity Theft and Murder

Identity theft is the fastest growing crime. Recently, some victims have lost more than money when they were targeted by a lookalike criminal looking to start a new life.

The Road to Rage

Few of us worry about being shot to death when we get behind the wheel of a car. But news headlines and recent statistics show road rage is happening more often and can be deadly.

Five Myths About Female Serial Killers

Stereotypes about women and violence have allowed female serial killers to get away with murder far longer—and more often—than you might think.

Mother Anna Young and the House of Prayer

What is it like to grow up in a destructive religious cult? Two children tell it like it was.

Violent Female Offenders

Violent female offenders often give us clues to their future during their childhood and teen years. So why do we miss them?

Multiple Personality or Malingering?

What happens when a person with multiple personalities kills? Pamela Moss claimed her alters were linked to two murders committed years apart but insisted she, the host, was not.

This Japanese Serial Killer Targeted the Suicidal

When a Japanese serial killer picked his victims on the internet by responding to suicidal posts, was he targeting people who really wanted to die?

Kid Killers

In 2014, two social-media savvy 12 year old girls tried to kill a classmate to appease an imaginary internet horror figure. How typical is this of kids who kill?

Mind Games

Most mental health professionals have the best interest of their clients at heart. But, when they don't, the "cure" can be worse than the "disease."

The 3 Stages of an Obsessive Ex

How can we predict who will kill someone s/he once loved? Look at the dark clouds in the relationship to predict storms after a breakup.

Hooked on Homicide

Is it possible for someone to become addicted to killing? Here's what crime experts, soldiers, and serial killers say.

Sexual Harassment

It's 2017, so why are we still talking about sexual harassment? Here's how to talk to the person who needs it the most.

Munchausen by Proxy or Con Artist Mom?

The tragic story of Gypsy and Dee Blanchare is set to air as an HBO documentary on May 15. Here's a look at the law and psychology behind a case of medical child abuse and murder.

Which Is "Crazier?"

How does a forensic psychologist tease out the mind of a criminal defendant at the time he committed it? Debunking one myth - and investigating one source - at a time.

Split Decisions in the Courtroom

The movie Split has brought Dissociative Identity Disorder back into the spotlight. Here's how this controversial diagnosis plays out in the courtroom.

From Mice to Men?

A recent rash of animal killings in Canada have raised new questions about a budding serial killer. Do serial killers target animals first? Here's what the research says.

Serial Killers in 2016

What can we learn from an overview of serial killers in 2016? Let's take a look at the new faces of serial murder.

Delusional or Dissident?

Can hate crimes be fueled by mental illness? Here's what the evidence says.

3 Tips to Stay Safe When an Ex Becomes a Stalker

When a stalker is a former lover, the victim must be aware of the psychological blind spots that can increase her risk.

Hunting the Japanese Hospital Serial Killer

A serial killer is stalking senior citizens at a Japanese hospital. What kind of person would do this?

"You're My Celebrity Soulmate"

When does a fan become a foe? When the pseudo-intimacy of social media is mistaken for a real relationship.

Mental Illness and Violence

The psychotic killer may make a great Halloween costume, but in real life, they're surprisingly rare.

Why Is Someone Burning Homeless Men in San Diego?

A serial killer in San Diego is setting fire to homeless men. Why?

Have You Ever Wished Someone Was Dead?

Many of us have wished someone would die or disappear when we're angry. But how common is it to actually fantasize about committing murder?

Dangerous Lies

Are there some secrets worth killing for? For two men leading double lives, the answer was yes.

Let's Pretend You're Sick

The psyche of parents who fake their child's illness

Understanding Serial Animal Abusers

What exactly is the relationship between animal cruelty and violence towards humans? A look at serial animal abusers sheds light on this complex relationship.

The Psychology of Murder for Hire

It's pretty common to fantasize about a loved one's demise when we're in the throes of anger, hurt or desperation. But it takes a special person, to put those thoughts into action

The Death of Munchausen by Proxy (Part 2)

Medical child abuse is rare but it happens. Pediatricians who suspect it must balance the safety needs of the child against the risk of a false accusation.

The Men Who Murdered Halloween

Halloween has thrilled trick or treaters for years and terrified parents for just as long. What if your child bites into an apple with a razor blade inside or trips out on an Ecstasy-laced Pixie Stixx? Are there real boogeymen just waiting for Halloween to do their evil deeds? The answer might surprise you.

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