New research identifies a psychological bridge between dark personality traits and lack of forgiveness
Why do some individuals find it difficult to forgive those who have wronged them? New research published in Personality and Individual Differences sheds light on this question, revealing that so-called “dark” traits can play a significant role. The findings suggest that Machiavellianism and psychopathy may hinder forgiveness by fostering vengeful thoughts.
Forgiveness is a complex and deeply personal process. It involves letting go of negative feelings, thoughts, and behaviors towards someone who has caused harm. While some people readily forgive, others find it challenging to move past feelings of anger and resentment.
Previous research has explored various factors influencing forgiveness, such as empathy, personality traits, and emotional regulation. However, this study delved into the intriguing world of dark personality traits – specifically, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy – to understand their impact on the forgiveness process.
Machiavellianism is a personality trait characterized by manipulativeness, cunning, and a willingness to deceive or exploit others to achieve personal goals, while narcissism refers to a personality trait marked by excessive self-importance, a constant need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Psychopathy is a personality disorder characterized by traits such as a lack of remorse, impulsivity, and a tendency toward antisocial behavior. [Continue reading…]