FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 27, 2020·4 min readHow personality predicts seeing others as sex objectsThose with dark personality traits such as psychopathy, sadism, low affective empathy, narcissism, cold-heartedness, and meanness, are more likely to sexually objectify those of the opposite sex.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·December 5, 2019·4 min readRats use same brain area as humans to empathize with othersReducing activity in the anterior cingulate decreases empathetic responses in rats. The data suggests an observer shares the emotions of others as it enables them to prepare for danger.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 29, 2019·5 min readNarcissism might be a dark trait but it can lower stress levels and reduce chances of depressionGrandiose narcissists are more likely to be "mentally tough", experience less stress, and are less prone to depression.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·September 19, 2019·5 min readHow people with psychopathic traits control their ‘dark impulses’Neuroimaging reveals 'successful' psychopaths (those who can control their antisocial tendencies) have greater levels of gray matter density between the left and right ventromedial prefrontal cortex. This area of the brain is implicated in self-regulatory processes, including reactive emotions.Read More
FeaturedGeneticsNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·August 29, 2019·3 min readAbnormal expression of genes in psychopathyPsychopathy is associated with altered expression of genes and immune responses related to molecular pathways. In neurons, the up-regulation of PRL10P9 and ZNF132 and down-regulation of CDG5 and OPRD1 were linked to psychopathic behaviors. The genetic expression explained up to 92% of the variance of psychopathic symptoms. Researchers speculated these genes may be relevant to the lack of empathy and emotional callousness associated with psychopathy, as previous studies have linked a number of these genes to ASD and problematic social behaviors.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 2, 2018·2 min read“Dark Triad” of Personality Reflected in DreamsResearchers report those with dark triad personality traits tend to dream more about aggression and sex.Read More
FeaturedPsychology·September 26, 2018·6 min readPsychologists Define the ‘Dark Core of Personality’Researchers have identified a common denominator for 'dark' personality traits they have dubbed the D-factor. D-factor, researchers report, can be defined as the general tendency to maximize personal goals and interests over those of another, often to the extent of taking pleasure in hurting others.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 11, 2018·5 min readHow Do We Make Snap Decisions?Researchers look at what happens in the brain when we make snap decisions under stress.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·August 10, 2018·4 min readTargeting a Brain Mechanism Could Help Treat AggressionResearchers have identified some of the key neurobiological mechanisms that help keep aggression under control. The findings could help develop targeted treatments to help those with aggressive problems associated with psychological disorders.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·May 1, 2018·4 min readBrains of Young People with Severe Behavioral Problems ‘Wired’ DifferentlyYoung people with conduct disorder have abnormal connectivity between the prefrontal cortex and amygdala, researchers report.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 13, 2018·3 min readPsychopaths’ Disregard for Others is Not AutomaticIf there is a specific goal they want to accomplish, psychopaths are able to consider the thoughts of others, a new study reveals.Read More
FeaturedOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·October 25, 2017·4 min readSacrificing One Life to Save Others: Psychopaths’ Force for ‘Greater Good’The force by which a person embarks upon a utilitarian act may be predicted by psychopathic traits, a new study reports.Read More