Many people perceive a hand touch or shoulder squeeze as a sign of affection. However, a recent study suggested that if these physical manifestations come from a partner with psychopathic tendencies, they can serve a much more terrifying purpose. , scientists believe that such people can use touch for manipulation.
- Touch can offer several benefits to people with psychopathic tendencies.
- Scientists claim that they can be used as a means of manipulating partners.
- Touching can increase a sense of ownership and superiority in a relationship.
A study by American scientists she dealt with the characteristic features of psychopaths. The team found that touch can increase the perception of ownership of objects and create a sense of superiority. So if your partner tries to hug you during a verbal confrontation, it could be a psychopath or narcissist trying to gain authority. They can also do this by holding your shoulder, the back of your head, or even your hand.
Study author Richard Mattson, a professor of psychology at Binghamton University in New York, said not all forms of touch are well-intentioned.. “In fact, they can be used to one’s advantage at the expense of one’s partner,” he said, adding that touch is one of the main ways people express love and affection, but not all individuals always use it for this purpose.
Touches can serve as a means of manipulation. (illustrative photo)
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The study involved 500 university students from the northeastern part of the United States who were over 18 and in a romantic relationship. The researchers asked them questions about their overall comfort with touch and in which cases they would prefer to avoid it. The participants also filled out questionnaires in which the level of three signs of the so-called dark triad – psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism – was assessed..
- Psychopatia is characterized by persistent antisocial behavior, impulsivity, selfishness and callousness.
- Narcissism it is associated with grandiosity, pride, egoism and a lack of empathy.
- Machiavellianism it is characterized by manipulation and exploitation of others, a cynical disregard for morality, and a focus on one’s own goals.
Psychopaths can use touch in their relationships. (illustrative photo)
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The researchers found that both men and women with dark triad personality traits were more likely to use touch to manipulate their relationship partner, although the results differed by gender. “In the case of men, they were used for reassurance or seeking protection,” the team concluded. Conversely, women who had dark triad traits were more uncomfortable with being grabbed, but still often used touch as a means of manipulation.
Dark triad personality traits are associated with various difficulties in a romantic relationship, such as more frequent arguments and even domestic violence. Therefore, according to the researchers, it is important to watch out for such behavior.
The authors acknowledge that there are some limitations to their study. The main problem is that the sample consisted entirely of white and heterosexual college students from a similar region. They emphasized that further research should focus on a wider range of people, as this could reveal different results.
