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The Human Equation

Serial killers, self-reliance, and everything in between

Personality
Dangerous Distortions From Dark Personalities

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on November 3, 2024

New research suggests that people with dark personality traits and an insecure attachment style often feel excluded or slighted when it's not intended.

New research suggests that people with dark personality traits and an insecure attachment style often feel excluded or slighted when it's not intended.

Law and Crime
What Does a Murder Staged as a Suicide Look Like?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on August 30, 2024

Staging a murder as a suicide is one of the most common ways perpetrators disguise their guilt, especially in a violent relationship. What can be learned when one is missed?

Staging a murder as a suicide is one of the most common ways perpetrators disguise their guilt, especially in a violent relationship. What can be learned when one is missed?

Law and Crime
True Crimes, False Confessions

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on August 19, 2024

False confessions continue to be a significant factor in wrongful convictions. We're getting better at preventing them. But what can be done when it's already happened?

False confessions continue to be a significant factor in wrongful convictions. We're getting better at preventing them. But what can be done when it's already happened?

Bullying
Avoiding the "Last Straw" in Cases of Bullying

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on April 22, 2024

Some teens who are bullied become bullies themselves. But why do some victims choose this path and not others? New research suggests that the inner world of the victim has clues.

Some teens who are bullied become bullies themselves. But why do some victims choose this path and not others? New research suggests that the inner world of the victim has clues.

Deception
Deceived and Manipulated by a Fake Mental Illness

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on March 17, 2024

Movies like "Split" sacrifice truth for drama, relying on negative stereotypes about violence and mental illness. Here's how one predator used this to his advantage.

Movies like "Split" sacrifice truth for drama, relying on negative stereotypes about violence and mental illness. Here's how one predator used this to his advantage.

Suicide
What Happens When a Staged Suicide Is Missed?

Joni E Johnston Psy.D. on April 13, 2023

Few things are more devastating to a family that a loss by suicide. It's tough for first responders, too. Is it any surprise that some murderers take advantage of this?

Few things are more devastating to a family that a loss by suicide. It's tough for first responders, too. Is it any surprise that some murderers take advantage of this?

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?

Fantasies
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.

Sex
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
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.

Adolescence
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.

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?

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Magazine
November 2024 magazine cover
November 2024
The Perfectionism Trap

When we fall prey to perfectionism, we think we’re honorably aspiring to be our very best, but often we’re really just setting ourselves up for failure, as perfection is impossible and its pursuit inevitably backfires.

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