MOVIE villains, such as Patrick Bateman from American Psycho or Villanelle from Killing Eve, are often depicted abusing animals. While this may seem like a scripted cliché to many, new research shows that this trait is not just fiction. Scientists now claim that it can reveal real dark personality traits, writes the Daily Mail .
Researchers from the University of Belgrade have found that people who show signs of psychopathy are more likely to believe that animals are worth less than people. These people often exhibit impulsiveness, a tendency to lie, and superficial charm, and may also be more likely to humiliate and even abuse animals. The study also reveals that those who hate animals often enjoy inflicting pain on others, which is a hallmark of sadism. Experts are clear – people with dark personalities often lack compassion for animals.
Scientists warn that violence against animals is often linked to domestic violence, and sometimes even murder. They believe that any form of animal abuse could be an important indicator of antisocial behavior, both in children and adults.
What is a dark tetrad?
The study focused on the so-called the dark tetrad, a set of four negative personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism.
Narcissism involves a sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy. Machiavellianism is based on manipulation and exploitation of others. Psychopathy is characterized by antisocial behavior and indifference to the feelings of others, while sadism denotes enjoyment in inflicting pain and suffering.
The first part of the study involved 369 people who filled out questionnaires about their traits and attitudes towards animals. The results showed that people with more pronounced psychopathic and sadistic traits were more likely to believe that humans are worth more than animals.
Speciesism – an invisible prejudice
Speciesism is the belief that humans are more important and valuable than other animals. This includes the belief that animal suffering is less important than human suffering. For example, some people find the story of an abused dog heartwarming, but are not bothered by the fact that they eat animals that they feel just as strongly about.
Scientists have found that psychopathy and sadism are also associated with a lower willingness to help animals. Machiavellianism is somewhat associated with greater meat consumption, while narcissism did not play a significant role.
Empathy is the opposite of dark traits.
In the second part of the study, which involved 234 people, the scientists found that psychopaths were more likely to believe in social hierarchies, in which humans are above animals. Conversely, people with developed empathy showed greater compassion for animals.
The authors conclude that emotional coldness, self-centeredness, and a sense of superiority, which accompany dark tetrad traits, naturally lead to reduced concern for others, including animals.
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