Empathy at the Heart of Darkness: Empathy Deficits That Bind the Dark Triad and Those That Mediate Indirect Relational Aggression

Abstract

The dark triad (DT) traits–psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism–have collectively been linked to reduced empathy and increased aggression; however, their association with distinct empathic subtypes remains unclear; and unique links to indirect relational aggression (IRA) have not been delineated. Moreover, whether dark traits should be conceptualized individually, as a dyad or as a triad with a dark core centered around the absence of empathy is debated. The current study examines (i) whether impaired empathy indeed represents a common “dark core” binding Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, and (ii) this core explains associations between the dark traits and IRA. Participants (N = 301, 262 F/39 M) completed measures of the DT traits, cognitive and affective empathy components and IRA (Social Exclusion, Malicious Humor and Guilt Induction). The individual traits model without links between narcissism and IRA showed the best fit, suggesting that, at least in the context of IRA, the DT traits are best viewed as three independent personality traits. Distinct cognitive and affective empathy deficits and capacities are seen in the DT. Peripheral responsivity was the only type of empathy deficit associated with all dark traits, but unrelated to IRA. Psychopathy was the strongest indicator of impaired empathy and all IRAs; however, only online simulation, an affect-related cognitive empathy facet, partially mediated the relationships of psychopathy and Machiavellianism with IRA. Whilst the unique pathways for the dark triad traits suggest stronger alignment of psychopathy and Machiavellianism in their empathic deficits and indirect aggression; the data do not support the notion that an unempathic dark core underpinning all three traits drives indirect aggression. This is the first paper delineating the specific empathic deficits involved using a facet approach and their link to indirect forms of aggression. Results therefore inform theoretical models of aggression in the DT and offer some clarity on the debates surrounding the unempathic dark core in the DT.

Reexamining construct validity of the Short Dark Triad (SD3) scale

“…Dark dyad was found to have a positive and significant correlation with social dominance orientation, but showed negative associations with morality and empathy. This is similar to what has been reported by Arvan (2013) and Heym et al (2019), respectively. On the other hand, narcissism showed a non-significant yet positive correlation with morality and empathy, which suggests that narcissists are less devoid of these positive traits than those characterized by dark dyad traits (Miller et al, 2017).…”

“…Similarly, Paulhus, Williams, and Harms (2001) empirically demonstrated that narcissism per se is not a dangerous trait but how it interacts with other negative factors (such as aggression) determines how toxic and socially aversive it can become. Heym et al (2019) also found that narcissism is not problematic or dangerous as long as the other two traits (psychopathy and Machiavellianism) are not present in a person. Their research further indicated that traits of psychopathy and Machiavellianism are characterized by empathetic deficits but narcissism stands out as people with this trait do have some amount of empathy.…”

“…They have been found to share a common core of callousness (Jones & Paulhus, 2011) and lack of empathy (Jones & Neria, 2015). However, narcissists have been reported as being relatively more empathetic (Heym et al, 2019) and less callous (Miller et al, 2017) than both Machiavellians and psychopaths. There is also evidence that the three dark traits manifest moral deficits (Arvan, 2013;Bartels & Pizarro, 2011;Campbell et al, 2009); however, psychopaths as well as Machiavellians are considered morally more corrupt than narcissists (Glenn, Iyer, Graham, Koleva, & Haidt, 2009).…”

Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality

“…Moreover, maintaining strong connections with society and the natural world appear key to alleviating negative affective and cognitive functioning (Caccioppo & Hawkley, 2009;Narvaez, 2013), which, when combined with findings of nature connectedness-related pro-social behaviour and greater agreeableness, empathy, and perspective-taking Passmore & Holder, 2017;Zhang, Piff, Iyer, Koleva, & Keltner, 2014), strikes a strong juxtaposition with the Hobbesian viewpoint that selfish and aggressive behavioural trends in westernised societies are normalised and considered 'adaptive'. Such traits account for some of the variation observed in so-called dark personalities (Heym et al, 2019;Lynam & Derefinko, 2006), which themselves can be considered adaptive in nature (Hall & Benning, 2006). Thus, exploring nature connectedness in relation to dark personalities may be of interest to researchers and clinicians.…”

Examining the connection between nature connectedness and dark personality

“…Furthermore, higher nature connectedness has been associated with pro-social behaviour, along with greater agreeableness, cognitive and affective facets of empathy, and perspective-taking Passmore & Sensitivity: Internal Holder, 2017; Zhang, Piff, Iyer, Koleva, & Keltner, 2014). These traits account for some of the variation observed in so-called dark personalities, commonly characterised by the dark triad (Heym et al, 2019;Lynam & Derefinko, 2006). Thus, exploring nature connectedness in relation to dark personalities may be of interest to researchers and clinicians.…”