Written by: Dr. Taylor Bryant True crime documentaries, courtroom dramas, and viral social media clips have turned terms like narcissist, sociopath, and psychopath into everyday language. People use them to describe cheating partners, manipulative bosses, toxic family members, and violent criminals. But in forensic psychology, these labels carry very specific meanings, and in some cases, they are often misused entirely. As a forensic psychology expert, I can tell you this wit

14 min read | Dr. Taylor Bryant: Forensic Psychology Expert | May 2026 We stream murder documentaries before bed. We discuss the details of violent crimes over coffee. We binge podcast episodes about serial killers during our morning commute. Far from being a niche curiosity, true crime has become one of the most dominant cultural obsessions of our time, and the psychology behind it is both complex and deeply revealing. 73% of true crime podcast listeners consume conten

In many legal contexts, behavior is often evaluated through the lens of chronological age. A 38-year-old is expected to think, respond, and regulate emotion as a 38-year-old. But trauma does not operate on a chronological timeline. Trauma and Developmental Disruption Trauma refers to an experience that is overwhelming to an individual’s ability to cope. This can include events such as abuse, violence, or chronic exposure to stress. When trauma occurs, particularly during impo

In the realm of criminal justice, certain offender profiles often slip through the cracks of public awareness and media coverage. These underreported offenders can include individuals whose crimes are overlooked due to societal biases, lack of resources, or simply because they do not fit the typical mold of what society expects from a criminal. Understanding these blind spots is crucial for a comprehensive approach to crime prevention and justice. This blog post delves into t

Understanding human behavior is crucial in many fields, but it takes on a unique significance in forensic psychology. This branch of psychology not only seeks to understand the mind of criminals but also aims to apply this understanding in legal contexts. Behavioral analysis in forensic psychology provides key insights that can help in criminal investigations, legal proceedings, and rehabilitation efforts. In this blog post, we will explore the fundamental aspects of behavior

The topic of female sex offenders is often shrouded in stigma and misunderstanding. While the media frequently highlights male perpetrators, the reality is that women can and do commit sexual offenses. This blog post aims to shed light on the complexities surrounding female sex offenders, exploring their motivations, the societal perceptions of their actions, and the implications for justice and rehabilitation. The Landscape of Female Offending Statistics and Trends Research