evolution | SPSP

Don’t Talk Behind My Back!

Black man in foreground; coworkers gossip behind him

Hearing a message coming from behind us makes us perceive it more negatively than if the message came from a different direction.

Read more about Don’t Talk Behind My Back!

What do Men and Women Want in a Mate?

The things we look for in a romantic partner are shaped by both evolution and society.

Read more about What do Men and Women Want in a Mate?

People: Nicer Than You Think

Mother holding umbrella over child under stormy sky

Most people believe that their fellow human beings are inherently selfish. But recent research suggests that we human beings are a lot kinder and more helpful than most people think.

Read more about People: Nicer Than You Think

Next! ... When Pursuit for “The Best” Can Undermine Your Romantic Relationships

Man sitting on soaf holding remote control and bowl of popcorn looking indecisive about what to watch

People who strive to make the best choices in life may be vulnerable to experiencing discontent in their relationships.

Read more about Next! ... When Pursuit for “The Best” Can Undermine Your Romantic Relationships

What Can Serial Killers Like Amy Archer-Gilligan Tell Us about Human Evolution?

Woman silhouette on background of the night city in fog

Serial killers—yes, serial killers—may tell us something important about human evolution. Some hunt; others appear to gather.

Read more about What Can Serial Killers Like Amy Archer-Gilligan Tell Us about Human Evolution?

Good Reads: How Marsh’s Fear Factor Will Calm Your Worst Fears - Review of Abigail Marsh‘s The Fear Factor

Tellow background, blue forground, with an open book laying on top. The words Good Reads appears next to the book

What do psychopaths and altruists have in common? According to Abigail Marsh’s eye-opening book, The Fear Factor, one answer is that they both have highly unusual brains – at least in one small but very important area.

Read more about Good Reads: How Marsh’s Fear Factor Will Calm Your Worst Fears - Review of Abigail Marsh‘s The Fear Factor

Overcoming the Biases That Come Between Us

Elvis counsels, “Before you abuse, criticize, and accuse … walk a mile in my shoes.” Dylan wishes, “For just one time, you could stand inside my shoes.” Paul McCartney asks us once again to try to see it his way. If you are The King, a Nobel laureate, or a knight—not to mention a rock star—perhaps it is reasonable to expect that everyone else should take your perspective. For the rest of us, if we hope that “we can work it out,” it seems vital for us to try harder and try smarter to understand others—especially these days.

Read more about Overcoming the Biases That Come Between Us

Psychology News Round-Up: ICYMI June 16, 2017

Each week, we recap featured posts from Character & Context and other blogs around the cyberspace, plus news stories and tweets worth a look. If you have an item you'd like us to consider, use the hashtag #SPSPblog or tweet us directly @spspnews.

Read more about Psychology News Round-Up: ICYMI June 16, 2017

Research on "Sexual Afterglow" Shows the Lingering Benefits of Sex

By Andrea Meltzer

Sex is a defining feature of romantic relationships. From an evolutionary perspective, sex is essential for reproduction. Without it, the human species would die off. But some researchers have proposed that sex has a secondary function in humans and other animals whose offspring benefit from the presence of both parents—sex facilitates pair bonding and thus functions to keep couples happily together over time.

Read more about Research on "Sexual Afterglow" Shows the Lingering Benefits of Sex

People with History of Casual Sex May Struggle More in Committed Relationships

Although sex is a central feature of committed, romantic relationships, some people desire uncommitted, “no strings attached” sex, which can spell trouble for their marriages.

Read more about People with History of Casual Sex May Struggle More in Committed Relationships