We don’t have to go on a deep dive into psychological research to find articles about narcissism. A shallow skim will yield plenty of research, and even more personal essays, about people’s experience with narcissists. Whether or not those experiences and the individuals described in them actually meet the diagnostic criteria for narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) is another discussion entirely.
While we’re looking at the research, we may find empath traits are just as prevalent in psychological research, popular articles, and blogs. These traits are often seen as the opposite end of the spectrum. However, a study in the Journal of Personality and Individual Differences recently identified a new variant — one that finds that narcissistic and empathic traits can exist in the same person. They call it the Dark Empath.
Narcissists have what is referred to as the “dark triad” of personality traits: antisocial and psychopathic tendencies, manipulative thinking, and a self-centered type of entitlement. These traits along with sadism are referred to as dark traits. Empaths, on the other hand, are considered to have high emotional and/or cognitive empathy where they are capable of deeply understanding or experiencing the feelings of others.
It has been commonly believed that those who possess dark traits lack empathy, and yet, the dark empath has emerged to dispute this. There are some things we should know about the dark empath. Where narcissism and empathy merge, manipulation is sure to follow.
To read the full article, click here.
Hello, Readers!
It’s been a while since my last email, and I just wanted to say hello and tell you a bit about what I’m working on now. Moving and yoga. That’s mostly what I’m doing.
I’m completing a yoga teacher training at the end of the month, and the rest of my time is spent packing and labeling boxes to prepare for an upcoming relocation from our apartment to our first house. As I’ve been packing around the clock, I’ve had a little less time for writing. But that doesn’t mean there are no new stories.
Recently Published Articles
What’s Next
I’m still working on a couple of new manuscripts, and I’ll be putting my energy into publishing the next volume of poetry as soon as I move and settle in. It’s been a busy month here but a happy one, too. Thank you for continuing to read and support my work!
Warmest Regards,
Crystal