"For years, the consensus in psychology was that "dark triad" traits—Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism—lacked empathy. In fact, online "empath support groups" often describe abuse by cold, uncaring narcissists. Yet not all who claim empathic gifts are truly safe, and some who present as deeply understanding can be as manipulative as any Machiavellian, as controlling as a narcissist, or as subtly cruel as a psychopath."
"Penelope, married to Anthony for seven years, came in tears. She wanted a divorce but dreaded the impact on her two young children. Penelope had patiently supported Anthony through medical training, only to find him colder and more critical at home. "How can he be so compassionate with patients—sometimes crying with them—and so calculating and dismissive with us?" she wondered."
Dark empaths combine cognitive empathy—the ability to read and understand others' emotions—with traits linked to the dark triad: Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. Dark empaths often appear warm, attuned, and agreeable while simultaneously showing higher levels of selfishness, distrust, antagonism, manipulation, and controlling behavior. Clinical examples show partners who can be deeply compassionate in public or professional contexts yet cold, critical, or dismissive at home. A 2021 study identified a distinct dark empath group within research samples. Key signals include how a person reacts to boundaries, expressed needs, and honest disagreement.
Read at Psychology Today
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