The Human Equation

Narcissism

The Hidden Danger of the Homicidal Narcissist

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on January 28, 2023

Alex Murdaugh. Bryan Kohberger. Larry Millette. These men are on trial for murder and have repeatedly been labeled "narcissists." What is the relationship between the two?

Alex Murdaugh. Bryan Kohberger. Larry Millette. These men are on trial for murder and have repeatedly been labeled "narcissists." What is the relationship between the two?

Psychopathy

Murder and Mental Illness

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on November 22, 2022

When the hand you're dealt includes severe mental illness, the symptoms are treatable but the stigma and superstitions around them are sometimes not.

When the hand you're dealt includes severe mental illness, the symptoms are treatable but the stigma and superstitions around them are sometimes not.

Psychopathy

How Many Chances Should a Serial Killer Get?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on September 21, 2022

Serial killer Colin Pitchfork was released from prison after almost thirty years. Two months later, he was back behind bars after violating parole. Did the system work or fail?

Serial killer Colin Pitchfork was released from prison after almost thirty years. Two months later, he was back behind bars after violating parole. Did the system work or fail?

Suicide

What Kind of Son Would Murder His Mother?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on July 27, 2022

Why would a young adult with a close-knit family and every financial opportunity kill his mother and then himself?

Why would a young adult with a close-knit family and every financial opportunity kill his mother and then himself?

Suicide

Anger, Depression, Violence, and Lost Children

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on June 26, 2022

There's a saying that those who don't learn from history are destined to repeat it. The story of a 1920s murder-suicide shows just how true that is.

There's a saying that those who don't learn from history are destined to repeat it. The story of a 1920s murder-suicide shows just how true that is.

Family Dynamics

What Kind of Son Kills His Dad?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on May 17, 2022

It's rare for a child to kill a parent, no matter what has happened between them. When he does, it's likely to be for one of three reasons.

It's rare for a child to kill a parent, no matter what has happened between them. When he does, it's likely to be for one of three reasons.

Persuasion

How Much Influence Can One Person Have?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on April 28, 2022

No one outside of a cult understands what it's like to be in one. Perhaps this woman's story can change that.

No one outside of a cult understands what it's like to be in one. Perhaps this woman's story can change that.

Suicide

Some People Don't Believe a Loved One Committed Suicide

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 19, 2022

Few things are harder to accept than a loved one's suicide. But when an unexpected death carries the stain of suicide and the smell of murder, it can be a double whammy.

Few things are harder to accept than a loved one's suicide. But when an unexpected death carries the stain of suicide and the smell of murder, it can be a double whammy.

Sex

Cheerleaders, College Students and Call Girls

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 1, 2022

Of the 65 percent of serial killers' victims who are women, 76 percent are sex workers. But is that who they are or what they've done?

Of the 65 percent of serial killers' victims who are women, 76 percent are sex workers. But is that who they are or what they've done?

Sex

How Killers Find Their Targets, and Why They Often Get Away with It

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on February 23, 2022

Why do so many predators target the homeless, sex workers, or others on the margins of society? Looking at the most vulnerable victims may say something about all of us.

Why do so many predators target the homeless, sex workers, or others on the margins of society? Looking at the most vulnerable victims may say something about all of us.

Psychopathy

Think You Couldn't Be Duped By a Con Artist? Think Again

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on February 15, 2022

The Netflix documentary "The Tinder Swindler" has captivated audiences with its boldness, manipulation, and deception.

The Netflix documentary "The Tinder Swindler" has captivated audiences with its boldness, manipulation, and deception.

Memory

Wrongful Convictions, Memory, and Eyewitness Testimony

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on January 31, 2022

A number of wrongful convictions have suggested we view eyewitness memory with a healthy dose of skepticism. But is it our memory that's the problem?

A number of wrongful convictions have suggested we view eyewitness memory with a healthy dose of skepticism. But is it our memory that's the problem?

Gratitude

Did You Know a Crime Victim May Have Saved Your Life?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on December 8, 2021

What would you do if the worst tragedy imaginable happened to you? I'd love to think I'd be half as brave as these people were.

What would you do if the worst tragedy imaginable happened to you? I'd love to think I'd be half as brave as these people were.

Aging

What If a Serial Killer Murdered Your Grandma?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on November 15, 2021

It can be all to easy to attribute the death of an older person to natural causes. Sometimes, frighteningly so.

It can be all to easy to attribute the death of an older person to natural causes. Sometimes, frighteningly so.

Domestic Violence

Linking Serial Killers, Mass Murderers, and Child Abusers

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on November 2, 2021

Think domestic violence can never touch your life? Neither did nightclub goers, church worshippers, or serial killer victims.

Think domestic violence can never touch your life? Neither did nightclub goers, church worshippers, or serial killer victims.

Domestic Violence

When the Child You've Raised Is a Batterer

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on October 18, 2021

We don't usually think about the family who raised a domestic violence perpetrator. What should we do if we do?

We don't usually think about the family who raised a domestic violence perpetrator. What should we do if we do?

Sexual Abuse

Should It Matter if a Perpetrator Was Once a Victim?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on September 19, 2021

Why would a grown woman burn her father alive? She says it was payback for sexual abuse. But even if that's true, should it matter?

Why would a grown woman burn her father alive? She says it was payback for sexual abuse. But even if that's true, should it matter?

Psychopathy

Precious Commodities

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on August 2, 2021

Most of us think of life insurance as a way to protect our children from an uncertain future. But what if it's a way to use our child to finance our own?

Most of us think of life insurance as a way to protect our children from an uncertain future. But what if it's a way to use our child to finance our own?

Psychopathy

The Psychology of "Copycat Killers"

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on July 13, 2021

People often discuss copycat killers after a mass shooting or serial murder. But if the media inspires murder, why aren't true crime fans more violent?

People often discuss copycat killers after a mass shooting or serial murder. But if the media inspires murder, why aren't true crime fans more violent?

Psychosis

A Real-World View of Incompetence to Stand Trial

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on June 11, 2021

Accused murderer Lori Vallow has been found incompetent to stand trial and sent to treatment. Is she faking it? Will she ever stand trial? Here's a forensic psychologist's take.

Accused murderer Lori Vallow has been found incompetent to stand trial and sent to treatment. Is she faking it? Will she ever stand trial? Here's a forensic psychologist's take.