The Human Equation

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.

Trust

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?

Law and Crime

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.

Law and Crime

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?

Punishment

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?

Ethics and Morality

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?

Law and Crime

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?

Forensic Psychology

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.

Psychosis

Lori Vallow Found Incompetent to Stand Trial

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

Just as Lori Vallow is finally facing murder charges, a psychologist says she is not competent to stand trial. But is she really similar to other incompetent defendants?

Just as Lori Vallow is finally facing murder charges, a psychologist says she is not competent to stand trial. But is she really similar to other incompetent defendants?

Friends

The Case of Accused French Serial Killer Nordahl Lelandais

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

Serial killers have a lot in common in how they think and what they do. Here's what we're learning from a recent case in France.

Serial killers have a lot in common in how they think and what they do. Here's what we're learning from a recent case in France.

Adolescence

Would You Want a Teenage Killer Locked Up for Life?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on April 28, 2021

Should teen killers be given a break because of their developing brains or should the facts of the crime guide the punishment? The Supreme Court has spoken.

Should teen killers be given a break because of their developing brains or should the facts of the crime guide the punishment? The Supreme Court has spoken.

Law and Crime

Dying of Old Age—or Murder?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 4, 2021

Just because a senior citizen dies doesn't mean it's "natural." Here's how family members spotted a homicide-in-disguise.

Just because a senior citizen dies doesn't mean it's "natural." Here's how family members spotted a homicide-in-disguise.

Play

Predators Who Pretend to Be Victims

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 3, 2021

If you don't think there's such a thing as a wolf in sheep's clothing, check out these predators masquerading as victims.

If you don't think there's such a thing as a wolf in sheep's clothing, check out these predators masquerading as victims.

Suicide

The Right to Life

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on February 16, 2021

In January 2021, 18 American children were killed in a murder-suicide. Here's why.

In January 2021, 18 American children were killed in a murder-suicide. Here's why.

Coronavirus Disease 2019

Serial Killer vs. Serial Killers

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on January 31, 2021

Covid-19 has been called a serial killer, but what happens when a medical serial killer meets a real-life one?

Covid-19 has been called a serial killer, but what happens when a medical serial killer meets a real-life one?

Forensic Psychology

The Volga Maniac Has Been Arrested

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on December 4, 2020

In 2011 and 2012, a Russian serial killer murdered over 20 elderly women along the Volga River. Now that he's been caught, what can we learn from his confession?

In 2011 and 2012, a Russian serial killer murdered over 20 elderly women along the Volga River. Now that he's been caught, what can we learn from his confession?

Depression

The Deaths of Meg Purk and Natalie Jones

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on November 18, 2020

Does a victim's history of depression make it more likely that a murder will be staged as a suicide?

Does a victim's history of depression make it more likely that a murder will be staged as a suicide?