About Us

We are a small team with big ideas, passionate about making psychology not just accessible — but actionable. From simplifying complex theories to helping students power through academic challenges, we believe psychology should spark curiosity, relevance, and confidence.

While our roots began with articles exploring the fascinating intersections of psychology, our site has naturally grown alongside our audience’s needs. Today, Simply Put Psych serves thousands of students, researchers, and educators worldwide — many of whom rely on our growing suite of interactive academic tools designed to simplify every stage of the research and writing process.

Our tools have become the most popular part of Simply Put Psych, helping users tackle common challenges like:

  • APA formatting

  • Statistical analysis

  • Sample size calculation

  • Ethical form generation

  • Research write-ups and more

We remain committed to both sides of this mission: delivering insightful content that inspires curiosity, and developing tools that save time and reduce stress.

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Why Simply Put Psych?

Our articles, resources, and tools have been utilized by educators and lecturers across the globe, cited in academic papers, and referenced in countless student assignments. Whether you're exploring theory or preparing your dissertation, we aim to make psychology feel not only understandable, but usable.

SPP Team

Some articles are published under SPP Team to reflect collaborative contributions across our writers and editors. These pieces are always reviewed by JC Pass to ensure accuracy and clarity.

Our Impact

A selection of academic works and peer-reviewed publications that reference the writing of Simply Put Psych.

Arambašić, M. (2025). “Veličina nije bitna” – mit ili činjenica? [“Size Doesn’t Matter” – Myth or Reality?]. University of Zagreb.

Mentioned for: Analysis of how media and adult entertainment fuel male body-image anxieties and cultural myths around size. Cited multiple times as a key source on the psychological effects of unrealistic sexual norms and the link between masculinity, insecurity, and media representation.

de Miguel Parga, M. (2025). Development of a 2D psychological game based on masks. LAB University of Applied Sciences.

Mentioned for: Providing psychological explanations of Jung’s persona, archetypes, the collective unconscious, and their application in video game design—especially insights into the Persona series. Used as theoretical support for identity, masks, and shadow-integration concepts in the authors own game narrative.

Eslit, E. R. (2025). Beyond Maslow: PQL+ as a metaphysical blueprint for curriculum transformation.

Mentioned for: Scholarly critique of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, including cultural bias and oversimplification of human motivation.

Fečková, A. (2025). Digitálna hra ako interaktívny príbeh: Reprezentácia psychického zdravia v hernej frančíze Life is Strange [Digital game as interactive story: Mental health representation in the Life is Strange franchise]. Masaryk University.

Mentioned for: Analysis and explanation of psychological and psychoanalytic concepts used to interpret video game characters and mental-health themes, particularly in narrative-focused games. Cited as a source for accessible descriptions of defence mechanisms, narrative psychology, and player–character emotional interpretation.

Fialová, V. (2025). Hybridní válka, psychologické a kognitivní operace [Hybrid warfare, psychological and cognitive operations]. Police Academy of the Czech Republic.

Mentioned for: Providing definitions and psychological frameworks related to information warfare, psychological operations (PSYOP), hybrid conflict tactics, and influence campaigns. Used as a secondary source explaining the psychological mechanisms behind disinformation, persuasion, narrative manipulation, and cognitive targeting.

Hänninen, M. (2025). Testing the Feasibility of Using Skeletal Animation over Sprite Animation in Pixel Art Graphics. Turku University of Applied Sciences.

Mentioned for: Explaining how visual or stylistic inconsistency in game design creates cognitive dissonance, breaks immersion, and causes player discomfort.

Leinonen, S. (2025). Ravintola-alan ammattilaisten afterwork-kulttuuri ja -tottumukset [Afterwork culture and habits of restaurant industry professionals]. Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

Mentioned for: Explanation of cognitive dissonance, particularly how people experience discomfort and rationalisation after purchases or decisions. Used to explain post-purchase evaluation, regret, and behavioural justification patterns among hospitality workers making lifestyle and leisure choices.

Maisaroh, R., & Kasprabowo, T. (2025). Obsession and death drive in Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Oval Portrait”: A psychoanalysis study. Scripta: English Department Journal, 12(2), 286–295.

Mentioned for: Theoretical explanation of Freudian defence mechanisms, particularly repression, used to support the psychoanalytic reading of the story.

Mihaljević, K. (2025). Representation of gender and sexuality in RPG and action-adventure video games. University of Zadar. Department of English

Mentioned for: Work on avatar customization, identity formation, and self-expression, used to argue that customization enables empowerment and identity exploration.

Moldoveanu, M. G., & Visu-Petra, L. (2025). Self-deception beyond speculation: A narrative review of the empirical research on motivated false beliefs. Studia UBB Psychologia-Paedagogia, 70(1), 121–151.

Mentioned for: Being used as the source of a literary–psychological quotation to introduce a scholarly discussion of motivated reasoning, self-deception, and cognitive biases.

Poupal, S. (2025). Podvody v digitálním světě: Moderní techniky a prevence kybernetických útoků [Fraud in the digital world: Modern techniques and prevention of cyberattacks]. CEVRO University.

Mentioned for: Used in the discussion of social-engineering manipulation tactics, including psychological mechanisms underlying phishing, vishing, urgency, trust-building, heuristics, and compliance. Explanations of human susceptibility, persuasion, and cognitive shortcuts are employed to contextualize cybersecurity risks.

Sakoğlu, İ., & Süngü, A. (2025). Would you kindly present the game? Analyzing narrators and monstrators in video games. Etkileşim Dergisi, 16, 242–266.

Mentioned for: Analysis of Slay the Princess, especially identifying its narrator as an unreliable narrator within a narratological framework.

Sood, M. (2024). Studying the factors leading to revenue and profitability growth in the toy, gaming and esports sectors. SSRG International Journal of Economics and Management Studies, 11(10), 1–12.

Mentioned for: Psychological explanation of virtual currencies and microtransactions—why players spend more when using in-game currencies.

Stolyarchuk, B. I. (2025). Information and psychological operations in wartime. Petro Mohyla Black Sea National University, Ukraine.

Mentioned for: Classification of psychological warfare methods and as a foreign expert on information–psychological operations and hybrid warfare tactics.

Rowan, B. (2025). Drifting hegemony: Toward a new U.S. foreign policy. International Journal of Social Sciences and Management Review, 8(6), 18–34.

Mentioned for: Describing Donald Trump as a “populist strongman” with narcissistic and authoritarian tendencies, and for a clear definition of soft power in global politics.

Vanninmaja, I. (2025). Kuinka esihenkilöt motivoivat työntekijöitään? [How supervisors motivate their employees] . Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences.

Mentioned for: Critique of Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, specifically explanation of cultural bias, Western individualism, and the model’s limited universal applicability. Used to support the argument that motivation theories should consider cultural and contextual factors rather than treating Maslow as universally valid.

Vlkavcová, E. (2025). Gender representation in the video game Genshin Impact. Technical University of Liberec.

Mentioned for: Providing analysis of gendered character design, gaming culture, identity, and psychological interpretation of player experience. Cited as part of the theoretical foundation concerning representation, tropes, and psychological effects of character portrayal in games.

And many more cited across political science, psychology, education, game studies, narratology, literary analysis, economics, and security studies.

What We Offer

Premium Research Tools

Interactive tools that simplify research design, statistics, APA formatting, consent forms, and more. Helping you focus on your research instead of the formatting.

Psychology Articles

Insightful explorations of psychology’s most intriguing topics. From classic theory to contemporary questions, gaming psychology, mental health, global challenges, and cultural analysis.

Student-Friendly Resources

Clear explanations, practical tips, and academic tools, all designed to empower your studies and your writing.

Who We Are

We’re a collective of curious minds exploring how psychology shapes our world. Each contributor brings a unique perspective whether from academia, creative industries, or personal exploration and we welcome insights from all walks of life.

All articles are reviewed by our Editor-in-Chief to ensure a balance of academic rigour and real-world relevance.

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JC Pass

Founder & Editor-in-Chief
Jon-Christian Pass is a social and political psychology specialist and the “psychological smuggler” behind Simply Put Psych—bringing complex theory into the worlds where people actually live: games, politics, media, grief, culture, and everyday life. With an MSc in Applied Social and Political Psychology and a BSc in Psychology, JC explores how power, identity, and narrative shape human behaviour across digital spaces, communities, and cultural systems.

His essays weave academic rigour with accessible storytelling, offering psychological insight into everything from hybrid warfare and political identity to video game narratives, LGBTQIA+ allyship, and online influence. JC’s work is cited internationally in university theses, peer-reviewed research, and teaching modules across psychology, political science, education, game studies, narratology, cultural studies, and security research.

Known for clarity, compassion, and conceptual depth, JC creates resources that make psychology not just understandable, but useful—bridging the gap between formal theory and lived experience. They write and edit most of the content on Simply Put Psych, with a commitment to helping people see how psychological forces quietly shape the world around them.

Theo Kincaid

Contributing Writer – Psychology & Gaming
Theo Kincaid is our undergrad underdog in psychology, with a keen interest in the intersection of human behaviour and interactive media. Passionate about video game development, Theo explores how psychological principles shape player experience, motivation, and engagement.

Reid James

Contributing Writer – Psychology & Finance
Reid James is a finance enthusiast with a passion for exploring the why behind money decisions. With a talent for translating psychological concepts into practical advice, Reid helps readers develop healthier financial habits and a more empowered relationship with money.

Amelia Bellini-Roux

Contributing Writer – Psychology & Intimacy
Amelia Bellini-Roux is an intimacy adventurer and curious observer of the ways our minds shape connection and desire. With a suitcase full of stories and a fascination for what makes us tick, Amelia explores the intersection of psychology and passion with playful charm and a touch of intrigue.

Kitty Dijksma

Contributing Writer – Trauma, Relationships, & Mental Health
Kitty Dijksma is dedicated to the psychological and social dynamics that shape human behaviour. Particularly, in areas that explore the intersections of lifestyle, relationships, and mental health, with particular focus on childhood trauma, interpersonal dynamics, and emotional well-being.