What do psychopaths eat? The connection between taste and traits
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When you sit down for a meal, your food choices might reveal more than just your taste preferences—they could hint at aspects of your personality. Several studies suggest that certain flavours, particularly bitter ones, are linked to darker personality traits, including psychopathy. But what does this mean for the way we eat? Let’s dive into the science behind psychopathy and food preferences.
A taste for bitterness: The psychopathic palate
According to a study by Sagioglou and Greitemeyer (2016), individuals with higher psychopathic tendencies tend to enjoy bitter foods and drinks, such as black coffee, tonic water, and dark chocolate. The research, published in Appetite, found that those who scored higher on measures of psychopathy and sadism were more likely to prefer bitter flavours over sweet or salty ones.
How food choices reflect personality
A more recent study by Shi et al. (2022), published in the US National Library of Medicine, explored the link between the Dark Triad personality traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) and eating behaviors. The study found that individuals with higher levels of secondary psychopathy—associated with impulsivity and poor self-control—were more likely to engage in uncontrolled eating habits. This suggests that not only do psychopaths prefer certain flavours, but their overall eating behavior may also differ from the norm.
The dark side of dining
The Sagioglou and Greitemeyer study reinforces the connection between bitter food preferences and psychopathic tendencies. The study suggests that individuals with a love for strong, bitter flavours may have a more manipulative or antisocial personality.
Additionally, the study points out that psychopaths tend to avoid complex, unpredictable dishes. Instead, they prefer simple, familiar foods with strong, clear flavours. This could explain why many individuals with psychopathic traits gravitate toward basic, intense-tasting foods like black coffee, radishes, and unsweetened dark chocolate.
Should you judge a person by their plate?
While these studies provide fascinating insights, it’s important to remember that food preferences alone don’t determine personality. Many people enjoy bitter foods without possessing psychopathic traits. However, the link between taste and personality remains an exciting area of research, showing that our dining habits may reveal more about us than we realize.
So, next time you're at a café and someone orders a black coffee with no sugar, don’t jump to conclusions – but maybe keep an eye on their table manners!