What Is Meant By Dark Empathy And What Characterizes It?

If there is one view that is popular in psychology, it is that psychopaths, Machiavellians and even narcissists lack genuinely empathetic qualities and skills. However, this is an issue that is more complex than it may seem. And in fact, psychological studies in recent years have revealed a new variable that is both fascinating and revolutionary: dark empathy.

What does it consist of? It is a new psychological concept that is assumed to define a small proportion of the population. These are individuals who, despite having some “classic” dark personality traits, also give evidence of a lighter side, a side that can almost be described as compassionate. This is something that has aroused the interest of experts and research in this area has increased.

Some experts liken dark empaths to the anti-heroes of classic movies and novels, such as the Harry Potter character Severus Snape. To a large extent, these are individuals who, admittedly, behave relatively coldly and know the art of manipulation. But they also hide the fact that they have inner talents, feel personal responsibility and are basically good.

What is dark empathy?

In evolutionary psychology, it is often pointed out that “dark personality traits” could serve humanity as a form of driving force. The ability to resolve conflicts, to lead other people, to make quick decisions in complicated circumstances or not to give up one’s goals are undoubtedly positive qualities.

So what do we mean when we talk about dark personality traits? These features define a term called the “dark triad” (coined by Paulhus and Williams in 2002). It refers to the characteristics that characterize narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Dark personality traits define a clearly evil interpersonal character that is characterized by emotional coldness, aggression and falsehood.

But what if, within the broad spectrum of characteristics that define this dark profile, there would also be a more sympathetic and social personality type? Current studies have resulted in a new psychological concept: dark empathy. The newly minted concept is assumed to somehow represent this more conciliatory side of the dark triad. Let’s take a closer look at this.

Dark empaths: high empathy and dark features

In July 2020, a research group published a report on the subject. The group consisted of representatives from Auckland University of Technology (New Zealand), University of Nottingham and Bishop Grosseteste University (UK). The researchers conducted a study to gain a better understanding of the role of empathy in the dark triad.

• It is usually assumed that both the psychopathic, the narcissistic and the Machiavellian personalities lack an empathic dimension. But empathy is not always used in a positive way.

• Most often, these people have the ability to feel empathy. They can perceive other people’s emotional reality. But for them, it is a resource that makes it easier to manipulate people. In other words, their empathy clearly serves as a tool.
• However, the researchers made a striking discovery through this study, which included nearly 1,000 participants. Despite their dark personality traits, 19.3 percent of the participants showed another form of high empathy. They had the ability to connect to and experience other people’s reality and could even feel compassion.
• People with this kind of empathetic personality goes under the name Dark empater  (in English: “dark empaths” or “DE”).

Is it possible to be an empathetic psychopath? Are there really compassionate narcissists? In fact, the study suggests that people may have “certain” psychopathic, Machiavellian or narcissistic traits, but at the same time are characterized by dark empathy.

What characterizes dark empathy?

It’s mostly men. Dark empaths are portrayed in the world of film and literature as mysterious or evil characters who in the end turn out to have a good heart. It could be the vampire who does not drink blood. Or the feathered and trumpet detective who always fights for and cares for the needy. Or the calculating thief who gets his gang to commit a criminal act for a good cause.

These are prototypical images that can show us how so-called dark traits can be positive. That is why you are interested in them in psychology. Because basically these personality types represent qualities that can be valuable for certain professional categories: for spies, soldiers, doctors as well as for public positions. Let us try to define these personalities.

Extroverts and neurotics

Dark empathy is characterized by markedly extroverted, dynamic behaviors, which means that these people have an easy time expressing their feelings and sharing them with others.

Likewise, neurotic traits are often common in these individuals. In other words, they are likely to go through many marked emotional ups and downs (anxiety, depression, and phobias, for example). These are people who often suffer from emotional pain.

They are friendly and social

Their kindness is genuine. They do not try to disguise their feelings and they find pleasure in meeting other people and connecting and relating to them.

They like to have power, but they encourage participatory leadership.

One of the common traits that usually plays a prominent role in the dark triad is a longing for power. People in this category are treated by power, which defines them, and they find satisfaction in being leaders.

But dark empathy has an advantage: it can lead to a more humane understanding of leadership. These people have the ability to bring out the best in other people for the good of all. They are leaders who get involved and who inspire and drive others towards common success.

Vulnerable narcissism

Another characteristic of these extremely empathetic people is a form of vulnerable narcissism. They are easily injured. They are capable of understanding and respecting other people’s realities. However, they get very upset when they hear negative comments about themselves.

Defective but talented

Finally, it is interesting to note that dark empaths are incredibly competent in many areas. They are talented, they are skilled leaders and they are good at connecting with people. But, of course, this does not prevent them from exhibiting complex characteristics, such as a certain narcissism and clear manipulative tendencies.

In short, one will continue to study this newly created psychological concept in the coming years. It will probably not be long before we find out what significance this personality type has in our society.