Why do some humans like to do bad things? Is it the thrill or were they always born bad? – Leonel, 14, Texas
melissamayerDear Leonel,
I’ve met some naughty cats. I’ve also known some misunderstood ones.
I asked my friend Chris Barry why humans are sometimes like that, too. He’s a psychologist at Washington State University.
He told me we’re talking about behaviors that don’t align with social norms. They give most people bad feelings. That’s like feeling uncomfortable when someone does something violent or mean.
Sometimes those behaviors come from the person’s nature, or temperament. Sometimes they happen because the person enjoys taking risks. Or maybe they struggle to think before they act.
It could be all those things, even within the same person. Plus, temperament, … » More …
Read More ...