Verified by Psychology Today

The Mating Game

Investigating the psychology underpinning human relationships

Persuasion
Are You a Copycat?

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on December 25, 2020

When you're sizing up a potential date, how much do you think about their romantic past?

When you're sizing up a potential date, how much do you think about their romantic past?

Bias
Sexual Racism

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on December 23, 2020

Everyone knows about racism, but how much do you know about sexual racism?

Everyone knows about racism, but how much do you know about sexual racism?

Personality
Do Women Find Bald Men to Be More Attractive?

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on December 22, 2016

There is an ongoing debate about what exactly is conveyed by male baldness. Scientific research suggests there are some surprising advantages to being bald.

There is an ongoing debate about what exactly is conveyed by male baldness. Scientific research suggests there are some surprising advantages to being bald.

Cognitive Dissonance
How Cognitive Dissonance Relates to Relationships

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on December 14, 2016

Just why is it that people choose to stay in abusive relationships? The psychological concept of cognitive dissonance can explain a lot of our seemingly bizarre behavior.

Just why is it that people choose to stay in abusive relationships? The psychological concept of cognitive dissonance can explain a lot of our seemingly bizarre behavior.

Sex
Do You Have the "Right" Number of Ex-Partners?

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on December 8, 2016

A recent study found surprising results regarding an individual's sexual history. Neither men nor women want someone with too much, or too little, sexual experience.

A recent study found surprising results regarding an individual's sexual history. Neither men nor women want someone with too much, or too little, sexual experience.

Play
The Psychology of Why We Play Lotto

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on December 4, 2016

Why do people engage in such 'curious' behaviour as playing the lottery? Don't they know that it's staggeringly unlikely that they'll win? Often, they do know, but play anyway

Why do people engage in such 'curious' behaviour as playing the lottery? Don't they know that it's staggeringly unlikely that they'll win? Often, they do know, but play anyway

Memory
7 Ways to Enhance Your Memory

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on September 13, 2016

Have you ever wondered if there is a simple way to improve your memory? This article gives you seven evidence-based techniques you can use to get better at retaining information.

Have you ever wondered if there is a simple way to improve your memory? This article gives you seven evidence-based techniques you can use to get better at retaining information.

Memory
How to Remember Everything

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on September 13, 2016

Learning the basics of the Method of Loci technique is possibly one of the most effective ways to spend the next 15 minutes of your life

Learning the basics of the Method of Loci technique is possibly one of the most effective ways to spend the next 15 minutes of your life

Mating
The Ugly Truth About Online Dating

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on September 6, 2016

Have you ventured into the world of online dating? Or are you thinking about it? Before you do, there are a few things you need to know.

Have you ventured into the world of online dating? Or are you thinking about it? Before you do, there are a few things you need to know.

Health
Gotta Catch ‘Em All: The Poké-Demic of 2016

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on July 18, 2016

In 2016, the mobile gaming world has thus far been defined by one thing above all others: Pokemon Go. This article looks at some of the ingenious psychology behind the app

In 2016, the mobile gaming world has thus far been defined by one thing above all others: Pokemon Go. This article looks at some of the ingenious psychology behind the app

Sex
Are You Having Enough Sex?

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on April 25, 2016

People often wonder what other people do in the bedroom. The evidence might surprise you.

People often wonder what other people do in the bedroom. The evidence might surprise you.

Social Life
16 Research-Based Hacks for Your Social Life

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on April 18, 2016

Psychology really is one of the most important things to know about, especially for social interaction. Some of these techniques can help you to navigate your social world.

Psychology really is one of the most important things to know about, especially for social interaction. Some of these techniques can help you to navigate your social world.

Friends
How to Be More Likable

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on April 5, 2016

With a few of these tricks, you can become the person everyone wants to be friends with.

With a few of these tricks, you can become the person everyone wants to be friends with.

Sex
How Do You Define What Is Sexually Normal?

Ryan Anderson Ph.D. on March 14, 2016

Do you ever wonder if what you do or think about is "normal"? New evidence suggests that some of what we once thought was sexually unusual is actually reasonably common.

Do you ever wonder if what you do or think about is "normal"? New evidence suggests that some of what we once thought was sexually unusual is actually reasonably common.