Dark shadow of the self: How the dark triad and empathy impact parental and intimate adult attachment relationships in women

The current study examines the relationship between parental and intimate adult (best friend partner) attachments with dark personality traits empathy deficits in women. Participants (N = 262 females, M age 26.65) completed self-report measures of Dark Triad (DT) traits, cognitive affective empathy, attachment experiences close relationships. Path model analysis showed that avoidant predicted dyad (Machiavellianism, psychopathy) while only anxious psychopathy. Psychopathy was trait directly indirectly (via empathy) associated life insecurity, whereas narcissism secure through reduced towards best friends. Reduced mediated psychopathy increased attachment, also lower attachment. These findings are considered context a possible route from to difficulties women – particular, psychopathic traits.