The Social Thinker

How we think about ourselves and others

Melissa Burkley Ph.D.

Is Your Mother a Narcissist?

With Thanksgiving quickly approaching, those with narcissistic moms could use some tips on how to navigate the choppy holiday waters.

3 Psychological Principles Nxivm Used to Brainwash Its Members

Think you could never be lured into a cult? Think again. Figures like Keith Raniere prey on everyday people using three basic psychological principles.

Women’s Dreams During the Pandemic Are Worse Than Men's

A new study explores how women’s dreams have been more negatively impacted by pandemic.

How to Be Happy in Hard Times

In the age of COVID-19, finding joy is more important than ever. Here are a few science-backed tips for cultivating joy in challenging times.

Are Psychopaths Spreading COVID at a Higher Rate?

New research shows that people high in psychopathic personality traits may be more likely to spread Covid-19.

Do You Have a Racism Blindspot?

New research shows people don’t see their own behaviors as racist, but they do label another person who engages in those same behaviors as racist.

5 More Immune-Boosting Habits to Help You Fight Off COVID-19

Surviving our current times demands you have a strong immune system. Here are some simple life hacks to supercharge your immune response and help you fend off future illness.

5 Habits That Strengthen Your Immune System Against Covid-19

Now more than ever, it is essential that you have a strong immune system. Here are five simple ways to bolster your immune system.

Can Dogs Be Trained to Sniff COVID-19?

Medical detection dogs might be our best diagnostic tool in the battle against COVID-19.

Do Psychopaths Prefer the Night?

Research suggests that psychopaths are more likely to be night owls than morning larks.

3 Surprising Reasons You Are Broke

A new survey finds 1 in 3 workers lives paycheck-to-paycheck, regardless of the size of their salary. Here's why.

Is Alzheimer’s Disease Actually a Sleep Disorder?

Think Alzheimer’s is only a memory disease? Think again. Recent discoveries linking Alzheimer’s and sleep problems has implications for diagnosis and treatment.

Why We See Racism in Others but Not Ourselves

A new study finds that people deny they are racist but label behaviors they’ve engaged in as racist when supposedly done by someone else.

Are You Dating a Psychopath?

New research provides insight into why women are often drawn into a psychopath’s web of lies.

Does Music Impair Creativity?

Writers often listen to music to boost their creativity, but new research shows this trick may backfire.

The Surprising Link Between Sleep and Heart Attacks

Daylight savings meant you gained an extra hour of sleep. But what did it do for your heart?

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Brain Health

Despite their popularity, there is little evidence to support the effectiveness of brain supplements. Save your cash and try these easy, science-backed techniques instead.

Want to Write a Novel? Set SMART Goals

Nearly everyone has a great book idea, but few actually write a novel. Learning to set SMART goals can propel any writer across the finish line.

Curing Your Dog’s Fireworks Fear

With July 4th looming, many pet owners are preparing for a night of watching their beloved dogs shake and whine. But it doesn’t have to be so. Here are some products that can help.

Does Your State Have a High Prevalence of Psychopaths?

A new study creates a geographical portrait of the prevalence of psychopaths in each U.S. state.

Is Poor Sleep Stopping You From Getting Pregnant?

Are you and your partner getting enough sleep? If you want to have kids in the future, you need to be getting your zzz’s now. Here’s why.

3 Reasons Why Men Really Ought to Get More Sleep

Are men getting enough sleep? New research finds several links between sleep and male virility.

Happy Wife = Long Life?

New research indicates that having a happy spouse is associated with longevity.

How to Boost Brain Power in the Blink of an Eye

Want to boost your memory, creativity, and overall brain power? Try this trick. It's simple, free, and only takes a second.

Can Physically Leaning Left or Right Change Your Politics?

We associate conservatives with the right and liberals with the left. But what happens when we reverse the direction of causality? Can changes in body position change our politics?

How to Identify 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.