How rare are dark empaths?
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Notably, this concept goes directly against the characteristics of the Dark Triad.
A master manipulator, the dark empath might be the most dangerous personality key in there is.
What is a dark empath, and how do they differ from other empaths?
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Associate Professor of Management in the College of Business at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) and a core faculty member in the Interdisciplinary Social Psychology Program
This kind of empathy is void of malevolence, which is not the case with dark empaths.
In other words, they cant feel the emotions of another person.
They really just use cognitive empathy to then feign a connection, Dr. Ho explains.
What are the main characteristics of a dark empath?
If anything, its antithetical to some of the superficial charm that these traits possess, Dr. Jones says.
They will use these tactics to continue staying in control, Dr. Hafeez says.
A dark empath uses other people
Using other people for personal gain is another manipulative tactic dark empaths employ.
The dark empath will guilt trip you into thinking youre at fault for something youre not.
Although others may feel like theres a closeness in the relationship, this is only a facade.
Associate Professor of Management in the College of Business at the University of Nevada Reno (UNR) and a core faculty member in the Interdisciplinary Social Psychology Program
So thats what a dark empath does: they fake the emotion and then manipulate you using your vulnerabilities.
What causes a person to become a dark empath?
Like so many personality traits psychologists study, dark empathy is complex.
According to Dr. Ho, personality traits are always a mix of the two.
This lack of emotional connectivity is a key factor influencing a dark empaths drive to employ risk-taking behaviors.
Still, the biological component alone isnt enough to create a dark empath.
Environment has a huge part to do with it.
This makes sense, given the overlap between dark empath traits and Machiavellianism.
What personality jot down is most likely to be a dark empath?
Spoiler alert: Extroverts are more likely to be dark empaths.
For dark empaths, though, these traits often coincide with a dose of neuroticism.
So it seems they may have a conscience, perhaps even disliking their dark side.
Alternatively, their negative emotions may be a response to their self-loathing.
The closer you are to someone, the more you’re free to hurt them.
The closer you are to someone, the more you’ve got the option to hurt them.
(Although, thankfully, they typically wont cause bodily harm to others.)
The more they know about you, the more bandwidth and attack surface theyre going to have.
So, naturally, their ability to stay detached while getting close is a particularly insidious combination.
Just how dangerous this insidious combination is depends, at least in part, on the individual.
Dark empath vs. narcissist: Whats the difference?
I think its still an element of it, but I would say its the least crucial element.
How rare are dark empaths?
Dr. Hafeez says this is a tricky thing to quantify since its a relatively new term.
Are dark empaths capable of love?
I think love stems from being vulnerable to somebody.
So I dont see where love factors into the equation.
It takes a lot of work, it takes a long time, she says.
But a person can start to learn that this coping strategy is actually not super helpful.
Are dark empaths aware of their manipulative behavior?
I would say its very difficult to manipulate somebody by accident with any effectiveness, Dr. Jones says.
So I dont think anybodys going to be manipulating accidentally.
Usually, theres a very conscious level of that understanding.
And thats a self-preservation strategy.
How can I protect myself from a dark empaths manipulation?
Theyll probably push back on that boundary, but dont get swayed.
She says that limiting contact will probably be necessary and that you should be the one to limit it.
They will make you question yourself, they will isolate you from your social circle.
So ensure to stay connected to the important people in your life.
The smartest people get manipulated by dark empaths, she says.
So, its really just important to not close yourself off and to keep seeking support.
Practice self-compassion and self-care
We all know that self-compassion and self-care are important.
Theres a bright side to everything, however, and that even includes being manipulated by a dark empath.
So youre only being manipulated because youre a kind, loving person.
kindly be kind to yourself.
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