The Social Thinker

Happiness

A Simple Way to Boost Your Happiness

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on March 17, 2021

Misery loves company, but it also creates it. Here is a simple trick to make yourself and those around you happier.

Misery loves company, but it also creates it. Here is a simple trick to make yourself and those around you happier.

Health

Are These Bad Habits Ruining Your Brain?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on March 9, 2021

Modern life is full of things that threaten your brain. Here are some science-backed tips for keeping your brain healthy and sharp.

Modern life is full of things that threaten your brain. Here are some science-backed tips for keeping your brain healthy and sharp.

Sex

What Netflix's 'Bridgerton' Got Right About Sex

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on March 8, 2021

Nearly every movie and TV show depicts sex incorrectly—here is how Netflix’s hit show flipped the script.

Nearly every movie and TV show depicts sex incorrectly—here is how Netflix’s hit show flipped the script.

Narcissism

Is Your Mother a Narcissist?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on November 23, 2020

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

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

Sex

3 Psychological Principles Nxivm Used to Brainwash Its Members

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on November 18, 2020

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

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

Dreaming

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

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on October 13, 2020

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

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

Happiness

How to Be Happy in Hard Times

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on September 14, 2020

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.

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.

Personality

Are Psychopaths Spreading COVID at a Higher Rate?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on August 31, 2020

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

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

Bias

Do You Have a Racism Blindspot?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on July 7, 2020

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.

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.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

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

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on June 1, 2020

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.

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.

Loneliness

5 Habits That Strengthen Your Immune System Against Covid-19

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on May 26, 2020

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

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

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Can Dogs Be Trained to Sniff COVID-19?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on April 22, 2020

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

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

Dark Triad

Do Psychopaths Prefer the Night?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on March 10, 2020

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

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

Media

3 Surprising Reasons You Are Broke

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on March 3, 2020

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

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

Sleep

Is Alzheimer’s Disease Actually a Sleep Disorder?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on February 25, 2020

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

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

Bias

Why We See Racism in Others but Not Ourselves

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on February 5, 2020

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.

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.

Psychopathy

Are You Dating a Psychopath?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on November 14, 2019

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

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

Creativity

Does Music Impair Creativity?

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on November 11, 2019

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

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

Sleep

The Surprising Link Between Sleep and Heart Attacks

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on November 8, 2019

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

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

Health

5 Easy Ways to Boost Your Brain Health

Melissa Burkley Ph.D. on September 16, 2019

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.

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.