After Service

Dark Triad

Why Does Medicine Taste So Gross?

Rob Henderson on October 25, 2021

Human ancestors created a fascinating social technology to promote cooperation and suppress selfishness.

Dark Triad

Why Some People Become Narcissists or Psychopaths

Rob Henderson on August 25, 2021

Poverty doesn't create psychopathic behavior, but childhood instability might.

Narcissism

Narcissistic Rage and Humiliated Fury

Rob Henderson on July 28, 2021

There are two types of narcissists, and one is quieter than the other.

Relationships

The False Beliefs That Ruin Good Relationships

Rob Henderson on June 28, 2021

Relationship start off as exciting. Why does this not last forever?

Education

Do the Most Educated People Look Down on Everyone Else?

Rob Henderson on May 31, 2021

Who cares the most about social status? The answer will surprise you.

Decision-Making

How to Make Better Decisions Faster

Rob Henderson on April 27, 2021

Is it always wise to "take our time" before making important decisions? People often take too long to choose between equally-valued options.

Authenticity

Do We Have "True Selves"?

Rob Henderson on March 27, 2021

Why do introverts feel more authentic when they act like extraverts? The answer will surprise you.

Education

What Your Social Signals Reveal

Rob Henderson on February 26, 2021

Research helps explain why it's sometimes better to downplay accomplishments.

Child Development

Why Are Poor Kids More Likely to Graduate Than Foster Kids?

Rob Henderson on February 1, 2021

What factor is more important than poverty for explaining childhood outcomes? The answer might surprise you.

Fear

What Is the True Purpose of Propaganda?

Rob Henderson on December 28, 2020

Is propaganda really meant to brainwash the masses? Research helps explain its function.

Mating

7 Differences Between Dating App Users and Non-users

Rob Henderson on December 1, 2020

Research shows that dating app users are more likely to use sexual deception.

Relationships

The Upper Hand: When Does Social Status Lead to Conflict?

Rob Henderson on October 29, 2020

Why does social conflict happen between people? A Yale sociologist offers an answer.

Mating

Is Wokefishing the Newest Sneaky Strategy On Dating Apps?

Rob Henderson on September 24, 2020

Are men pretending to be "woke" to meet more women? Research explains the complicated dynamics of dating and politics.

Dark Triad

"Dark" Personalities Are More Likely to Signal Victimhood

Rob Henderson on August 27, 2020

Are people with "dark" personality traits more likely to signal virtue and victimhood? New research suggests an answer.

Happiness

The Real Reason Why Happiness Is Fleeting

Rob Henderson on July 27, 2020

Were humans meant to be happy? Answers from evolutionary psychology will surprise you.

Education

The College Dropout Rate Is 45%—Should Everyone Still Go?

Rob Henderson on June 25, 2020

Is college more important than money for defining our social class?

Friends

Young People Are Lonelier and More Suspicious of Others

Rob Henderson on June 1, 2020

Why is there so much social unrest among young people? These surprising findings help to explain.

Ethics and Morality

Is Morality Real?

Rob Henderson on April 27, 2020

What does morality have in common with language? The answer will surprise you.

Law and Crime

5 Surprising Facts About Crime and the Coronavirus

Rob Henderson on March 29, 2020

Do disasters and economic downturns produce a rise in crime? The answer may surprise you.

Cognitive Dissonance

Are Most People Selfish, Selfless, or Both?

Rob Henderson on February 26, 2020

Do people care more about themselves or others? New research on self-fulfillment reveals a surprising answer.