Verified by Psychology Today

The Harm Done

Causes and consequences of aggression

Psychopathy
How Do People Develop Into 'Successful' Psychopaths?

David S. Chester Ph.D. on April 26, 2020

Many psychopaths walk among us. What skills do they learn that allow them to remain successful members of society?

Many psychopaths walk among us. What skills do they learn that allow them to remain successful members of society?

Anger
What Counts as Aggression?

David S. Chester Ph.D. on March 10, 2020

How we determine what acts are aggressive is more complex than you might think.

How we determine what acts are aggressive is more complex than you might think.

Psychopathy
Do "Successful" Psychopaths Have a Brain Advantage?

David S. Chester Ph.D. on December 6, 2019

Why do some psychopaths get ahead in life? It may be because of a brain advantage that allows them to control their impulses.

Why do some psychopaths get ahead in life? It may be because of a brain advantage that allows them to control their impulses.

Ethics and Morality
How to Study Harm

David S. Chester Ph.D. on December 5, 2019

How can we study harmful behaviors without actually hurting anyone?

How can we study harmful behaviors without actually hurting anyone?

Health
The U.S. Needs a National Institute on Violence

David S. Chester Ph.D. on August 23, 2019

Violence inflicts massive costs on our public health. A new federal health institute may be part of the solution.

Violence inflicts massive costs on our public health. A new federal health institute may be part of the solution.

Self-Harm
A New Way to Measure Self-Harm

David S. Chester Ph.D. on June 28, 2019

How can we best measure someone's tendency to self-harm? Voodoo dolls may present a promising new psychometric avenue.

How can we best measure someone's tendency to self-harm? Voodoo dolls may present a promising new psychometric avenue.

Punishment
Do You Want to Get Some Revenge Now or More Revenge Later?

David S. Chester Ph.D. on March 27, 2019

Why do some people lash out immediately while others bide their time for revenge? A new fMRI study looks to the brain for clues.

Why do some people lash out immediately while others bide their time for revenge? A new fMRI study looks to the brain for clues.

Anger
What Drives Sadists' Aggression?

David S. Chester Ph.D. on December 27, 2018

Why are sadists aggressive? They turn your suffering into their satisfaction.

Why are sadists aggressive? They turn your suffering into their satisfaction.

Punishment
The Neuroscience of Revenge

David S. Chester Ph.D. on November 6, 2018

People who feel rejected often seek revenge. What explains the link between rejection and aggression?

People who feel rejected often seek revenge. What explains the link between rejection and aggression?

Rejection Sensitivity
How the Mindful Brain Copes With Rejection

David S. Chester Ph.D. on October 5, 2018

How can you cope better with rejection? A recent study of the mindful brain reveals insights into effectively managing social pain.

How can you cope better with rejection? A recent study of the mindful brain reveals insights into effectively managing social pain.

Alcoholism
Can Aggression Lead You to Drink More Alcohol?

David S. Chester Ph.D. on August 6, 2018

Drinking alcohol often makes people behave in an aggressive manner. But could the reverse be true?

Drinking alcohol often makes people behave in an aggressive manner. But could the reverse be true?