Experts in psychology have identified a behavioral clue that could hint at psychopathic tendencies.
Specifically, expansive or dominant postures might be linked to traits associated with psychopathy, according to recent research.
Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a former professor of psychological and brain sciences at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, delved into a study from McGill University in Canada in her article with Psychology Today.
The study analyzed the postures of 608 adults and found a significant connection between body language and personality traits.
Participants who exhibited open, expansive poses scored higher on traits tied to psychopathy, such as manipulativeness, competitiveness, and belief in social dominance. On the other hand, those who slouched or frequently shifted their stance displayed lower self-esteem.
While these findings are fascinating, Whitbourne warned against using them as definitive proof of someone’s psychological state. She explained, “The test can’t tell you exactly what’s going on in their noggin', it can give you some clues.” Body language, she emphasized, is just one piece of the puzzle.
Psychologist and neuroscientist Abigail Marsh from Georgetown University expanded on the idea, linking unethical and antisocial behaviors across multiple areas of life to psychopathy. Speaking with Big Think, Marsh explained, “It’s not just one thing or one domain – you see unethical and anti-social behaviour across domains.” She added that psychopathic individuals often exhibit a pervasive sense of superiority, believing that “other people are dumb, other people are ignorant, other people are easily duped.”
This combination of behaviors—dominant body language, manipulativeness, and superiority—offers potential clues about psychopathy. However, Marsh and Whitbourne both cautioned against jumping to conclusions based on any single behavior.
Psychopathy is a complex condition that requires comprehensive evaluation for diagnosis. Relying solely on body language or surface-level traits can lead to misinterpretation. Still, these subtle cues can provide insights into someone’s underlying personality and potential tendencies.
As research continues, understanding these indicators can be valuable for psychologists, researchers, and even the general public in recognizing and addressing psychopathic behaviors in various social contexts.