If you’ve consumed every true crime documentary, horror movie, and dark novel, you might feel confident in identifying a psychopath from a distance. However, you might want to reconsider your assumptions.
Researchers have discovered a connection between a subtle gesture and individuals with dark personality traits, which could be used to manipulate partners during heated moments.
When your partner reaches for your hand or gives your shoulder a squeeze, it may appear to be a simple sign of affection. However, it could also signal something more troubling.
During an argument, if your partner tries to hug you, it might be an attempt to assert dominance.
Scientists from Binghamton University in New York have indicated that this type of touch can “increase the perceived ownership of objects” and “foster compliance from a subordinate.”
While a hug can “soothe your mind, reduce your stress and actually activate oxytocin,” the research suggests that “not all hugs are harmless.”
The study, published in Current Psychology, reveals that individuals with “dark triad” personality traits—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—are more likely to use touch as a means of manipulation in their relationships.
Machiavellianism involves using manipulation, deceit, and a cynical outlook, prioritizing personal goals even at the expense of others.
Richard Mattson, a psychology professor at Binghamton University and author of the study, stated: “What’s new about our work isn’t just in identifying problematic uses of touch — it’s linking those behaviors to the type of person who is inclined to use them on a romantic partner.”
“Not only are you not getting the benefits of touch in these relationships, but the flip side of that is that they are powerful, so they can actually be used in the service of oneself at the expense of the relationship partner,” Mattson added.
Mattson noted that while there’s a growing interest in relationship science, much of the research focuses on the benefits of touch, rather than its potential for manipulation.
“It’s kind of a hot topic within relationship science, but we took a slightly different viewpoint, noting that not all forms of touch are well-intentioned, even if topographically, they look similar to other types of touch,” Mattson explained. “What we were looking at is the manipulative use of touch alongside an individual’s preference not to be touched.”
The researchers examined various attachment styles and personality traits to determine how they impact the expression and reception of physical affection in romantic relationships.
Over 500 college students participated in a survey about their comfort with physical touch, their avoidance of touch due to discomfort, and their use of touch in potentially manipulative ways against their partners.
Those displaying “dark triad” traits were found to be more prone to using physical touch to manipulate their partners.
The study highlighted significant gender differences. Anxious men were more inclined to seek reassurance through physical affection, while those avoiding emotional closeness generally disliked being touched, regardless of other personality traits.
For women, those with “dark triad” traits reported more discomfort with being touched but were also more likely to use touch manipulatively in their relationships.
“Our findings underscore the importance of considering personality traits and attachment orientations in understanding how touch is perceived and used within romantic relationships,” the authors noted in their report.
“Interest in this area is in its infancy but may be critical to providing an overall understanding of how touch operates within romantic relationships.”