New research conducted by psychologists at Binghamton University, State University of New York, has cast a revealing light on the complex dynamics of physical touch within intimate relationships, unearthing troubling patterns associated with what are known as the “dark triad” personality traits. While physical touch has long been heralded for its myriad benefits—including stress reduction, emotional bonding, and increased production of oxytocin, the so-called “love hormone”—this study exposes a sinister twist: individuals exhibiting narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism may use touch not as an act of affection, but as a tool for control and manipulation.
This groundbreaking study, recently published in the journal Current Psychology, provides compelling evidence that touch in romantic relationships is not always an innocuous or comforting gesture. The researchers, led by Professor Richard Mattson, embarked on an expansive survey involving over 500 college students to explore how different personality types and attachment styles influence the reception and application of physical affection. The findings profoundly challenge the conventional understanding of touch as a universally beneficial element of human interaction.
Mattson and his team meticulously examined the nuanced behaviors surrounding touch, particularly focusing on how individuals with dark triad traits approach and utilize physical contact. The research highlights that, rather than mutual and supportive exchanges, such touch may instead serve as an exploitative mechanism. This manipulative use of touch reflects a self-serving orientation, where the person’s actions prioritize their own needs and desires at the expense of their partner’s well-being and autonomy.
Through statistical analysis of the survey data, the study revealed gender-specific distinctions in these manipulative behaviors. Men with relationship insecurities tended to seek reassurance through touch, suggesting a reliance on physical contact to affirm their relational status. Conversely, men who were uncomfortable with intimacy showed aversion to being touched, independent of dark triad traits. Women exhibiting these traits were reported to feel discomfort receiving touch yet paradoxically used touch more frequently as a means of control within their romantic engagements.
The implications of this research extend beyond academic curiosity, touching on the core of how unhealthy relational dynamics are fostered and maintained. The dark triad traits, characterized by their manipulative, callous, and exploitative orientations, have often been linked with short-lived and tumultuous romantic relationships. However, what remained poorly understood was the specific mechanism through which these personality disorders manifest in everyday interactions—particularly physical ones. This new work addresses that gap by situating touch as a critical element in relational dysfunction for such individuals.
The conceptual framework underpinning this research draws on attachment theory, which posits that early developmental experiences shape individuals’ feelings of security and expectations in relationships. The researchers argued that maladaptive attachment styles might interplay with dark triad traits to influence comfort with and deployment of touch. For example, those anxious about closeness may manipulate partner touch to secure control or avoid vulnerability, reflecting a deeply ingrained mistrust and defensive stance in intimacy.
Professor Mattson emphasized that while touch is a potent therapeutic and social tool capable of promoting health and relationship satisfaction, it can, in the hands of individuals with malevolent intentions, become a vector of psychological control. This dual nature of touch makes it an intriguing but complex subject within relationship science, revealing that physical gestures can carry diametrically opposed meanings and functions depending on the personality context.
From a clinical perspective, these findings invite the development of nuanced intervention strategies aimed at addressing unhealthy uses of affectionate behaviors. By recognizing manipulative patterns in touch, therapists and counselors can tailor approaches that help individuals learn to establish boundaries and engage in reciprocal, respectful physical affection. This could pave the way for more effective treatments targeting relational dysfunctions especially pertinent to those marked by dark triad personality traits.
The study’s innovative approach, which shifts the traditional narrative around affection to include its darker potentials, contributes to a growing body of evidence that not all emotional or physical behaviors are inherently positive. It challenges practitioners and researchers alike to reevaluate assumptions about touch and its role in intimate bonds, encouraging a more holistic view that incorporates the complexity of personality pathology.
Moreover, this research underscores the importance of incorporating gender-sensitive analyses in psychological studies of intimacy and manipulation. The distinct ways men and women with dark triad traits express discomfort and manipulative tendencies through touch highlight how sex differences intertwine with personality to influence relational processes. This complexity resonates with broader psychological frameworks recognizing the intersectionality of personality, gender, and relational dynamics.
The findings also open intriguing questions for future research, particularly concerning the biological and neurological underpinnings of these behaviors. Understanding how brain mechanisms related to reward, empathy, and aggression interact with personality traits and attachment styles to shape touch behavior could illuminate new pathways for intervention and prevention of relationship harm.
In summary, this pioneering work from Binghamton University adds a critical dimension to our understanding of physical touch in romantic relationships by revealing its potential as an instrument of manipulation among individuals with the dark triad traits. By disentangling the paradoxical role of touch as both a source of comfort and a means of control, the study sets a precedent for exploring how personality pathology impacts the most fundamental human interactions. This research not only enriches psychological theory but also holds practical promise in enhancing relational well-being and therapeutic care.
Subject of Research: People
Article Title: The dark side of touch: how attachment style impacts touch through dark triad personality traits
News Publication Date: 9-Aug-2025
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Image Credits:
“Desconfianza / Mistrust” by hernanpba is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.
Keywords:
Interpersonal relationships, Social relationships, Social interaction, Social psychology, Personality traits, Personality disorders, Psychotic disorders, Mental health, Psychological science, Human sexual behavior, Social sciences
