The Human Equation

Pregnancy

Pregnancy as a Motive for Murder

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on July 3, 2026

Nothing in his history said he was dangerous. That turned out to be the most dangerous thing about him.

Nothing in his history said he was dangerous. That turned out to be the most dangerous thing about him.

Forensic Psychology

Faking Insanity: How Experts Tell What's Real

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on June 15, 2026

A real breakdown or a convincing act? The hardest call in the courtroom.

A real breakdown or a convincing act? The hardest call in the courtroom.

Law and Crime

Why Ordinary People Do Terrible Things

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 31, 2026

New research into Milgram's original recordings has rewritten the explanation for one of psychology's most chilling findings.

New research into Milgram's original recordings has rewritten the explanation for one of psychology's most chilling findings.

Domestic Violence

He Never Hit Her. Then He Killed Her

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 17, 2026

A new study says domestic violence cases are less likely to end in homicide. Here's why that finding is more unsettling than reassuring.

A new study says domestic violence cases are less likely to end in homicide. Here's why that finding is more unsettling than reassuring.

Domestic Violence

Crime Hits a 50-Year Low, Unless an Abuser Sleeps Beside You

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on February 16, 2026

The FBI says violent crime is plummeting. But the data they released on February 11th tells a different story about what's happening inside American homes.

The FBI says violent crime is plummeting. But the data they released on February 11th tells a different story about what's happening inside American homes.

Law and Crime

Premeditated but Psychotic?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on January 22, 2026

Two upcoming trials are forcing a familiar question: Can someone who allegedly planned a killing be legally insane?

Two upcoming trials are forcing a familiar question: Can someone who allegedly planned a killing be legally insane?

Forensic Psychology

Who Do We Call a Predator?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on November 13, 2025

What separates someone who committed a single act of violence from a predator? The answer can determine who gets monitored for life—and who we miss entirely.

What separates someone who committed a single act of violence from a predator? The answer can determine who gets monitored for life—and who we miss entirely.

Gaslighting

What Gaslighting Does to a Brain

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on October 7, 2025

The neuroscience behind "prediction error corruption."

The neuroscience behind "prediction error corruption."

Adolescence

Troubled Teens and Online Radicalization

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on September 19, 2025

We know exactly what school shooters search for when the seek out extremist and violent websites. But why are they looking?

We know exactly what school shooters search for when the seek out extremist and violent websites. But why are they looking?

Law and Crime

When Parents Claim Abduction: The Emmanuel Haro Case

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on August 17, 2025

Distinguishing genuine child abductions from staged ones.

Distinguishing genuine child abductions from staged ones.

Law and Crime

From Bullied to Bully to Butcher

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on July 18, 2025

Bryan Kohberger lost over 100 pounds to escape bullying, and then became a killer. Research reveals the dangerous psychology that can turn some victims into predators.

Bryan Kohberger lost over 100 pounds to escape bullying, and then became a killer. Research reveals the dangerous psychology that can turn some victims into predators.

Law and Crime

Sean Diddy and the Rhino in the Room

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on June 18, 2025

When a witness in Sean Combs's sex trafficking trial testified about buying Rhino pills from gas stations, she exposed a criminal web that stretches from Manhattan to Africa.

When a witness in Sean Combs's sex trafficking trial testified about buying Rhino pills from gas stations, she exposed a criminal web that stretches from Manhattan to Africa.

Law and Crime

Anatomy of a Failed Insanity Plea

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on May 14, 2025

Jurors are understandably skeptical of insanity pleas; so are true crime fans. But what about the psychologists who testify? How do they decide if a defendant is insane or acting?

Jurors are understandably skeptical of insanity pleas; so are true crime fans. But what about the psychologists who testify? How do they decide if a defendant is insane or acting?

Forensic Psychology

The Case of Accused Parricide Killer Nikita Casap

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on April 11, 2025

Nikita Casap arrived from Moldova with his mother to start a new life. Instead, he ended hers. Is there anything new we can learn about teens who slay their parents?

Nikita Casap arrived from Moldova with his mother to start a new life. Instead, he ended hers. Is there anything new we can learn about teens who slay their parents?

Law and Crime

The Violence Link

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 17, 2025

It's common knowledge that violent perpetrators often practice on animals before "graduating" to humans. But is it true? Recent research shows us the violence link is more complicated.

It's common knowledge that violent perpetrators often practice on animals before "graduating" to humans. But is it true? Recent research shows us the violence link is more complicated.

Suicide

Deadly Blind Spots: How Murder-Suicide Risks Get Missed

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on February 24, 2025

Murder-suicide often stuns everyone who knew the perpetrator and the family involved. Here's why the risk of murder-suicide tends to fly under the radar until it's too late.

Murder-suicide often stuns everyone who knew the perpetrator and the family involved. Here's why the risk of murder-suicide tends to fly under the radar until it's too late.

Law and Crime

One Hundred Murders Staged as Suicides

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on February 2, 2025

A murder staged as a suicide is the second most common staging scene and one that can easily be missed. Here are some lessons I've learned after researching over 100 of them.

A murder staged as a suicide is the second most common staging scene and one that can easily be missed. Here are some lessons I've learned after researching over 100 of them.

Personality

Dangerous Distortions From Dark Personalities

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on November 3, 2024

New research suggests that people with dark personality traits and an insecure attachment style often feel excluded or slighted when it's not intended.

New research suggests that people with dark personality traits and an insecure attachment style often feel excluded or slighted when it's not intended.

Law and Crime

What Does a Murder Staged as a Suicide Look Like?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on August 30, 2024

Staging a murder as a suicide is one of the most common ways perpetrators disguise their guilt, especially in a violent relationship. What can be learned when one is missed?

Staging a murder as a suicide is one of the most common ways perpetrators disguise their guilt, especially in a violent relationship. What can be learned when one is missed?

Law and Crime

True Crimes, False Confessions

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on August 19, 2024

False confessions continue to be a significant factor in wrongful convictions. We're getting better at preventing them. But what can be done when it's already happened?

False confessions continue to be a significant factor in wrongful convictions. We're getting better at preventing them. But what can be done when it's already happened?