Mindreading in the dark: Dark personality features and theory of mind

Theory of mind may be associated with “dark” personality features because these features are defined in part by lack of concern for the feelings of others. Participants completed measures of dark personality features as well as various indicators of theory of mind (ToM). The most consistent negative associations with ToM emerged for primary and secondary psychopathy. In contrast, individuals with high levels of grandiose narcissism were relatively skilled at emotion management and more advanced ToM. These findings suggest that individuals with some dark personality features may misread rather than disregard the feelings and intentions of others. •We assessed dark and vulnerable Dark Triad features along with theory of mind.•Grandiose narcissism was positively associated with theory of mind.•Primary psychopathy and secondary psychopathy were negatively associated with theory of mind.•All dark features, except grandiose narcissism had negative associations with emotion management.