Alexithymia and the Dark Triad Personality Traits

Authors:

Pages: 11-29
DOI: https://doi.org/10.54664/UVVL2959

Abstract:

This article investigates the relations between alexithymia, similar to lack of emotional empathy, and the personality traits known as the Dark Triad. Alexithymia is a psychological construct referring to difficulties with emotional experiences and their processing. The personality traits included in the Dark Triad share some common features, such as emotional coldness, duplicity, a socially malicious character with a tendency towards self-promotion, and aggressiveness. In an empirical study with 458 respondents, we found weak significant relations of alexithymia with Machiavellianism and psychopathy; links between alexithymia and narcissism are negligible. More generally, the data shed light on the role of emotionality in relationships with other people. Possible applications of the results in counselling settings are suggested.

Keywords:

alexithymia; narcissism; Machiavellianism; psychopathy; personality.

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