New study suggests this overlooked gesture might indicate your partner is a psychopath

Your partner might use this tactic for manipulation

After binge-watching every true crime show, horror flick, and dark book you can find, you probably think you can spot a psychopath from a mile away… but maybe not.

Researchers have found a link between a subtle gesture and people with dark personality traits, which they might use to manipulate their partners during heated moments.

When your partner holds your hand or gives your shoulder a squeeze, it might look like a physical sign of affection. Sometimes it is, but it could also mean something more concerning.

If your partner tries to hug you in the middle of a fight, they might be trying to show who's boss.

Scientists from Binghamton University in New York have warned that this kind of touch can 'increase the perceived ownership of objects' and 'encourage compliance from a subordinate'.

Researchers point out that while a hug can 'calm your mind, lower your stress, and actually trigger oxytocin', the findings show that 'not all hugs are harmless'.

Your partner might employ this strategy as a means of manipulation

A study in Current Psychology found that people with 'dark triad' traits—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—tend to use touch to manipulate their partners.

Machiavellianism involves being manipulative, deceitful, and unemotional, with a focus on achieving personal goals, even if it means stepping over others.

Richard Mattson, a psychology professor at Binghamton University, mentioned:

“What’s new about our study is not just pointing out the bad uses of touch, but also connecting these behaviors to the types of people who are likely to use them in romantic relationships.

“In these relationships, you’re not only missing out on the good parts of touch, but it can also be used to take advantage of the partner.”

Mattson pointed out that while more people are getting interested in relationship science, most of the focus has been on the good side of touch, not how it can be used to manipulate.

“It’s a hot topic in relationship science, but we looked at it differently, realizing not all touch is meant well, even if it looks like other kinds of touch,” Mattson explained. “We checked out how touch can be used to manipulate along with how some people just don’t like being touched.”

Researchers found a difference between how men and women use touch in relationships

They looked into different attachment styles and personality traits to see how these influence giving and receiving physical affection in romantic relationships.

More than 500 college students took a survey about how comfortable they are with physical touch, how much they avoid it because it makes them uncomfortable, and if they use touch in ways that might not be good for their partner.

People with 'dark triad' traits (psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism) tended to use physical touch to manipulate their partners.

The study found big differences between genders. Men who felt anxious about their relationship were more likely to look for reassurance through physical affection, while those who avoided emotional closeness generally didn’t like being touched, no matter their other personality traits.

Personality traits and attachment styles are a big deal in this study

For women, those with 'dark triad' traits felt more uneasy about touch but were also more likely to use touch to manipulate in their relationships.

The authors of the report say, “Our findings show how important it is to think about personality traits and attachment styles to really get how touch is seen and used in romantic relationships."

"People are just starting to get interested in this area, but it could be key to fully understanding how touch works in romantic relationships."