Dark empathy: definition and basic characteristics

If there is something that is popularly assumed, it is that the psychopath, the Machiavellian or even the worst narcissist lacks authentic empathic skills. However, this issue is more complex than we may think. So much so that from the field of personality, space is already opening up for a new variable that is as interesting as it is revolutionary: dark empathy.

Now, what does it consist of? It is a new psychological construct that would define a small group of the population. They are individuals who, although they present certain traits of the classic dark triad of personality, reveal a brighter and even compassionate side. The data has caught the attention of experts and it seems that investigations on the matter will continue.

There are those who already describe them as classic antiheroes. The vast majority are men who, although they demonstrate somewhat cold behavior and even have a certain mastery of the manipulative arts, hide within them talent, personal responsibility and even kindness.

Dark empathy, what is it?

From the field of evolutionary psychology it is sometimes assumed that “dark traits” could confer a certain drive on humanity. Skills such as resolution, the ability to lead others, make quick decisions in complex conditions or not give up when you have a goal in mind are clearly advantageous aspects.

However, What do we mean when we talk about dark features? They are what define a construct called dark triad (coined in 2002 by Paulhus and Williams). This term refers to the personality characteristics of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. All of this traces a clearly malicious interpersonal character in which emotional coldness, aggressiveness and falsehood stand out.

However… what if we said now that within that broad spectrum of traits that defines that dark profile there is a more compassionate and civil personality type? Recent studies have revealed that A new psychological construct has been discovered which they have called dark empathy and that, in some way, it would represent that more integrative side of the dark triad. We analyze it.

Dark empathy, high empathy and dark traits

The research work was published in July 2020. The Universities of Nottingham and Bishop Grosseteste (United Kingdom), together with the Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand) conducted a study to better understand the role of empathy in the dark triad.

Thus, something that the vast majority assumes is that neither the psychopathic nor the narcissistic and Machiavellian personality have this dimension. However, let us not be mistaken. Most of the time they do empathize, if they perceive the emotional reality of the other, but it is a resource with which to manipulate people better. Their empathy is clearly instrumental.However, in this research carried out on a sample of almost a thousand people, something striking was discovered. 19.3% of that population, despite showing dark traits, showed another type of empathy, a very high one at that. They were able to connect and feel each other’s reality and even experience compassion. This type of empathy was called dark empathy (DE) or dark empathy.

Can we then have empathic psychopaths? Maybe there are compassionate narcissists? In reality, what this study shows us is that there may be some people with “certain” psychopathic, Machiavellian or narcissistic traits further defined by dark empathy.

What are the characteristics of the dark empath?

They are mostly men. Dark empathy is represented in the world of cinema and literature as the classic mysterious or malevolent character who turns out to have a good heart.. He is the vampire who does not drink blood, the cold, sagacious and antisocial detective, but who always defends and cares for those in need. The calculating thief, who leads his group and commits a criminal act for a good cause.

These are prototypical images that demonstrate that sometimes these dark features can be directed to a good end. Hence the interest of psychology. After all, These personalities provide a series of characteristics that can be useful for certain jobs.: spies, soldiers, doctors and even public officials. Let’s know how they are defined.

Extroverted and neurotic

Dark empathy is combined with clearly extroverted behaviors, dynamic, highly open and easy to express feelings to others.

In addition, a neurotic character is integrated in them; That is, there may be times with marked emotional ups and downs (anxiety, depression, phobias…). They are people who very often remain gripped by emotional pain.

Friendly, social and enjoy social relationships

Your kindness is authentic. They do not fake what they feel and they delight in relating, meeting people, connecting with people.

They like to have power but achieve participatory leadership

One of the common traits that usually orbits in the dark triad is the need for power. They like it, it defines them and they feel fulfilled being leaders.

However, dark empathy confers an advantage and that is that it defines more human leadership. These people are capable of bringing out the best in others for the good of all. They are leaders who inspire, who participate and who boost the psychological capital of others.

vulnerable narcissism

Another characteristic of this highly empathetic personality is a type of vulnerable narcissism. They feel hurt easily. They are capable of understanding and respecting the realities of others, but they are greatly affected by bad comments or certain behaviors.

Imperfect, but talented

Finally, It is interesting to see how this profile usually shows great competence in many areas. They have talent, they are good leaders, they connect very well with people… Although of course, they continue to demonstrate complex traits, such as a certain narcissism and clear manipulative skills.

Studies regarding this psychological construct will continue in the coming years. Surely, It won’t take long for us to learn many more things about these figures of our society..

You might be interested…