Researchers at Binghamton University (USA) have found that people with the so-called "dark trinity" traits - psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism - often use touch as a tool of manipulation in relationships. The results were published in the journal Current Psychology (CPsycho).
The authors note that physical contact can not only express attachment, but also serve as a means of asserting power and instilling a sense of subordination in the partner.
"Not all touches are well-intentioned, and not all hugs are harmless," said study leader and psychology professor Richard Mattson.
The experiment involved 500 college students age 18 and older who were in a romantic relationship. Participants were asked how they feel about touch, how much they avoid physical contact, and how often they use it for selfish purposes.
Men and women with pronounced "dark triad" traits were found to be more likely to use touch to influence their partners. But the motivations were different. Men with relationship anxiety resort to "compulsive touch," such as holding their partner's hand or touching them during an argument, to gain reassurance of their importance.
The "dark triad" is a psychological term that includes destructive personality traits. It was invented by Canadian psychologists Delroy Paulus and Kevin Williams in 2002. It describes a self-centered, cold and manipulative style of communicating with others.
Women with similar personality traits were more likely to perceive touching as a way to increase control over their partner and strengthen their own power. At the same time, women with high levels of anxiety (fear of abandonment) showed a greater aversion to physical contact.
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