The characters of The Walking Dead live in a desolate postapocalyptic world, filled with relentless violence and death. In reality, how would such never-ending trauma affect the psyche? By understanding the psychological forces that drive the show's action, fans can better grasp this compelling fictional universe. Is the Governor a psychopath, a sociopath, or neither? What does Terror Management Theory tell us about what it means to constantly fight for survival—as Rick must? What is the emotional cost of killing a walker or even another living person? What is groupthink and how does it affect the decisions made by the people of Terminus, Woodbury, and Rick’s gang? In 19 essays from a range of esteemed contributors, a foreword by John Russo, cocreator of Night of the Living Dead, plus "Case Files" sidebars by editor Travis Langley, The Walking Dead Psychology answers these and many other questions in a way sure to fascinate the show's millions of passionate viewers. Contributors include : John Blanchar * Megan Blink * Colt J. Blunt * Josué Cardona * Adam Davis * William Blake Erickson * Frank Gaskill * Jennifer Golbeck * Jonathan Hetterly * Katrina Hill * Alan Kistler * Dana Klisanin * Stephen Kuniak * Martin Lloyd * Stephanie Norman * Patrick O’Connor * Katherine Ramsland * Clay Routledge * Billy San Juan * Janina Scarlet * Steven Schlozman * Lara Taylor * Dave Verhaagen * Mara Wood * E. Paul Zehr *