The Social Thinker

How we think about ourselves and others

Melissa Burkley Ph.D.

How to Spot a Female Psychopath

Most know what a male psychopath looks like. But female psychopaths are far harder to identify. Here are two key differences to help you spot the female psychopath in your life.

How to Spot a Red Narcissist Versus a Blue Narcissist

A new study explores the difference between conservative and liberal narcissists.

Six Simple Tips for Overcoming Failure

Failure is a part of life, but adopting the right mindset can help you get over any hurdle life puts in your path.

Can You Tell Someone’s Politics by their Shoes?

Our shoes display more than just fashion sense and style, they also communicate our political ideology

Why Deep-Voiced Politicians Get More Votes

Politicians with booming voices make voters swoon (especially conservative voters). Here’s why.

What Event Causes People to Become Politically Conservative?

A brand new study finds that one particular life experience is associated with a shift toward socially conservative attitudes

The Mind of a Psychopath

New research shows that a psychopath's lack of conscience is wired into the brain.

Do Conservatives and Liberals Perceive Different Realities?

Think Republicans and Democrats couldn’t disagree more? Think again. Turns out, they can’t even agree on what’s real.

What’s So Wrong About Roseanne Barr's Tweet

Barr’s comment about Valerie Jarrett ignited a new furor about jokes comparing Black people to apes. This is the psychology behind the tweet.

New Study Shows Pop Culture Encourages Men to Prey on Women

Morgan Freeman has been added to the list of men accused of bad behavior. Why does it occur? A new study offers an intriguing answer.

7 Super Simple Tips for Unlocking Your Creative Genius

Want to boost your creativity? Learn seven science-backed techniques used by creative geniuses like Stephen King and John Steinbeck that will unlock your hidden muse.

The One-Minute Motivation Hack That Could Change Your Life

Do you have a goal? This simple tip can double your chances of success.

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.

3 Key Traits That May Be Red Flags for Psychopathy

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.

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