An expert has emphasized that there are certain communication habits that may indicate potential psychopathic traits in individuals, regardless of the context in which they occur. These habits could serve as warning signs.
How you communicate can provide insights into your character and mental state, and this is equally applicable to identifying possible dark personality traits.
Charlotte Entwistle, a psychologist from the University of Liverpool, has shared insights into certain linguistic habits that might hint at such traits. While these habits don’t necessarily confirm psychopathy, they can be worth noting if someone’s language seems unusual or concerning.
In an article for The Conversation, she explained: “Whether in a quick text message, a long email, a casual chat with a friend, or a comment online, the words people choose quietly reveal deeper patterns in how they think, feel, and relate to others.
“Those with darker personality traits often use more hostile, negative and disconnected language, including more swear words and anger words, such as ‘hate’ or ‘mad’.”
Individuals who might exhibit dark personality traits often use language focused on themselves, such as ‘me’, ‘my’, and ‘I’, rather than inclusive terms like ‘we’.
The Cleveland Clinic notes that psychopathy is often seen as a more severe type of antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and is associated with a higher risk of violent behavior.
Entwistle discussed how a person’s texting style might reveal these traits: “Many people you meet – at work, when dating, or online – may show milder difficulties, such as mood fluctuations, negativity, rigid thinking or darker traits like manipulation and callousness.
“These patterns often slip into how people speak or write long before they show up in more explicit behavior.”
She also emphasized the importance of recognizing these patterns: “Noticing these patterns can help us learn about and understand others, support those who may be struggling, and navigate our social lives safely – online and offline – with greater awareness.”
It’s important to note that frequent swearing alone doesn’t make someone a psychopath. However, a combination of these linguistic traits might warrant attention, according to Entwistle.