Female serial killers are considered fairly anomalous. Research into females who commit serial killings has been pretty limited, until now. Researchers have identified certain characteristics of female serial killers, finding they tend to be white, married at least once, of at least average intelligence, and are more likely to be employed in healthcare professions.
Those with dark triad or antagonistic personality traits including narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy are more likely to endorse negative beliefs about others, especially the LGBTQA+ community. People with these personality traits adopt prejudicial beliefs as they downplay the importance of equality and show little interest in protecting others, researchers conclude.
People with Dark Triad personality traits are more likely to believe fake news, especially when doing so promotes their own selfish desires. Even when presented with scientific facts, those with dark triad personalities bend reality to their own liking. The more pronounced traits associated with self-interest were, the more those with dark triad personalities doubted there was a difference between actual facts and mere opinions.
Study examines why some people are more inclined to put themselves in harm's way to help others while others are less inclined to help, even when the risk is part of their profession.
Activities targeting agreeableness were shown to reduce Dark Triad personality traits. However, those with Dark Triad personality disorders are less likely to want intervention to increase agreeableness.
While most people mellow with age, this does not appear to be the case for those with ASPD or psychopathy. Researchers report maladaptive behaviors associated with ASPD often get worse as people with the personality disorder age.
Neuroimaging study reveals those with psychopathy have a 10% larger striatum than non-psychopaths. Researchers say the increased size of the striatum, a brain area associated with cognitive and social functions, may account for a higher likelihood of impulsive behaviors and increased need for stimulation often associated with psychopathy. Additionally, researchers suggest there may be an element of heredity in the neural anatomy, adding support to the neurodevelopmental perspective of psychopathy.
Contrary to popular belief, those suffering from psychopathy are able to experience emotions, but they do have a blunted emotional response if their attention is directed toward something else. In essence, psychopaths feel emotions, but ignore them if they feel they might interfere with attaining personal goals.
Despite common thought, not all people with dark triad disorders are void of empathy. Some people with dark triad disorders experience above-average empathetic capabilities. Researchers shed light on "dark empaths" and empathy deficits in those with dark triad disorders.
Individuals with dark triad personality traits, including narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, combined with feeling schadenfreude, taking pleasure from the misfortune of others, are more likely to indulge in internet trolling.
Researchers investigate why some people take pleasure in hurting more vulnerable people.
While conventional thought considers those with psychopathic traits to be outgoing, charming, and bold, researchers say that many with psychopathy are more introverted.