Social Instincts

Evolutionary Psychology

Why the Uncanny Valley Phenomenon Creeps You Out

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 29, 2023

Here's an explanation behind the unease you feel for the "almost human."

Self-Esteem

2 Simple Steps to Raise Your 'Financial Self-Esteem'

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 27, 2023

To create abundance, you must first create a mindset of abundance.

Singlehood

6 Ways to Understand Your Fear of Singlehood

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 26, 2023

Being an adult without a partner is a scary idea to some. But it's fixable.

Media

When Does Interest in Celebrities Turn into Obsession?

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 25, 2023

When does celebrity fascination turn into something problematic?

Emotions

How to Manage the Guilty Pleasure of Watching Others Fall

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 24, 2023

When schadenfreude is valuable.

Education

The Differences Between Superficial and Authentic Curiosity

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 22, 2023

Seeking out new information is more beneficial than aimlessly consuming it.

Laughter

Laughing at the Failures of Others: Normal or Pathological?

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 21, 2023

Answer these 12 questions to test how bad your schadenfreude really is.

Bias

How to Break Out of the Echo Chamber

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 21, 2023

Being stuck in a room full of people who agree with you can be dangerous.

Magical Thinking

3 Reasons Why Superstitions Work

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 19, 2023

Superstitions are more than simple rituals. They can be a valuable coping method.

Friends

Social Overload: Do You Have Too Many Friends?

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 15, 2023

How to manage the infinite opportunities for connection with a limited capacity.

Friends

2 Reasons Why People Might Always Vent to You

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 14, 2023

Possessing these two qualities turns a mere listener into a trusted confidant.

ASMR

The Psychology of ASMR

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 12, 2023

New research examines the interplay between personality and ASMR receptivity.

Health

2 Mental Health Benefits of 'Silent Walking'

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 11, 2023

Silent walking isn't just a physical activity; it's a transformative experience.

Deception

7 Ways to Differentiate Everyday Lies from Pathological Lies

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 8, 2023

What is the line between a harmless lying habit and an unavoidable compulsion?

Social Media

Beware of Fake Online Activism, or ‘Slacktivism’

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 7, 2023

Social media support for real-world causes might do more harm than good.

Body Image

3 Reasons People Use Steroids Despite the Risks

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 5, 2023

Despite mounting health warnings, anabolic steroid use persists. Why?

Relationships

Can Dog and Cat People Make It Work Romantically?

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 4, 2023

A psychologist's guide to relationship harmony for dog and cat partners.

Creativity

3 Ways Blue-Skying Can Reignite Your Creativity

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 3, 2023

The most innovative solutions can emerge when you let your imagination soar.

Mating

2 Ways 'Investi-Dating' Can Help You Filter Online Dates

Mark Travers Ph.D. on November 2, 2023

The mystery of romance is a small price to pay for a pre-date investigation.

Self-Esteem

Are Dog People Happier Than Cat People?

Mark Travers Ph.D. on October 30, 2023

Research explains how being a pet parent impacts your self-esteem.