The Social Thinker

How we think about ourselves and others

Melissa Burkley Ph.D.

The Motivational Benefit of Finding a “Bad Stopping Place”

Most people look for a “good stopping place” to stop for the day, but research suggests you should look for a “bad stopping place” to keep your momentum going

The #1 Place to Boost Creativity (Hint: You’ll be Naked!)

Suffering a creative block? Learn which room in your house is most likely to spur your next creative breakthrough.

Got Writer's Block? Here's Your Cure

Contrary to popular belief, there is more than one kind of writer's block. Knowing which kind you have will point you toward the most effective treatment.

Exclusive Interview with Director Dominic Polcino

Writer/director Dominic Polcino (The Simpsons, King of the Hill, The Family Guy) offers a behind-the-scenes view of the Louis C.K. fallout and #MeToo's impact on Hollywood

"Lovesick Fool" Depicts Dating in the Post-#MeToo World

The award-winning animated film "Lovesick Fool" depicts one man's attempt to find love in the current world of Facebook likes and Tinder swipes.

Review of New Psychological Thriller “Blood Honey”

Boundaries between real and imaginary, past and present, memory and hallucination, all blur in this new film. Watch it with others and you will be discussing well into the night.

Exclusive Interview With Writer-Director of Blood Honey

Jeff Kopas, the writer/director of a new psychological thriller, talks about the writing process and how he convinced Gil Bellows to douse himself in bees.

How to Spot a Psychopath: Three Traits You Should Look For

Research on the "Dark Triad" suggests that psychopaths exhibit three distinct traits.

Holiday Shopping: Buy Memories, Not Objects

Most of us know that money doesn’t automatically bring you happiness, but why? Perhaps it’s because we’re spending it on the wrong things.

Ask "What If?" to Boost Your Creativity

Want to boost your creativity? Try a technique both scientists and writers use: Ask yourself, "What if...?"

“Get Some Fresh Air” to Boost Your Creativity

Want to boost your creativity? Go outside and let your mind (and feet) wander.

“Let Your Mind Wander” to Boost Your Creativity

Want to boost your creativity? Try these three tips that encourage your mind to wander.

“Sleep On It” to Boost Your Creativity

It seems counterintuitive but one of the best ways to make your mind more creative is to put it to sleep.

Where Do Writers Get Their Ideas?

Why is it that writers often can’t tell us where their story ideas truly come from? The answer has to do with the fact that the human mind is a dual-process system.

Why Metaphors are Important

Learn why metaphors are such a powerful tool for writers, how they alter readers, and how to best craft the best ones.

The Writer's Laboratory: Intro to a New Blog Series

The Writer's Laboratory combine two passions—psychology and writing fiction—in a way that teaches others how to become more honest (and therefore better) writers

Describing Sexual Assault in a Language Men Can Understand

Female victims' sexual assault stories often fail to resonate with men. But Terry Crews describes his experience in terms with which men can empathize.

Are Men Socialized to Prey on Women?

Research shows the common men-as-predator and women-as-prey metaphor of dating may encourage men's sexual misconduct.

Surprising yet Simple Tips for Making a Love Connection

Three simple tips for increasing your attractiveness while on a date

Do 'Ugly Duckling' Stories About Beauty Harm Women?

Many beloved stories and movies communicate the message that "beauty is malleable." But a new set of studies show how this message sets women up for future appearance issues.

Why New Year Day’s is the Worst Day to Start Your Resolution

Late night partying and end-of-year deadlines make January 1st the worst day to start a new goal

The Dark Side of New Year’s Resolutions

Can striving for self-improvement harm you?

Is Lisbeth Salander a Psychopath?

Is Twilight Prejudiced?

The Harry Potter Effect: The Science Behind Why We Like Magical Things

Sin: Is Absolution Just a Hand Wash Away?

Are Black Women Invisible?

Are Your Tech Gadgets Out To Get You?

Is Dexter a Successful Psychopath?

Why do "normal" people enjoy watching a television show about a serial killer? Maybe it is because Dexter gives us a peek into the rarely explored and misunderstood mind of a "successful" psychopath.

Seeing Red: Does Wearing Red Make You Sexy?

Does wearing red make you more appealing to the opposite sex?

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