Gender Roles Emotional Manipulation

This study investigates the intricate relationship between gender roles and emotional manipulation, a covert form of aggression, aiming to unravel the underlying dynamics that contribute to its prevalence. Emotional intelligence, initially perceived as a positive trait, has been scrutinized for its darker aspects, including emotional manipulation for antisocial ends. Unlike existing measures primarily focused on prosocial behavior, this study explores emotional manipulation's "dark side," shedding light on the gender-specific patterns observed in its prevalence. Previous research has shown that men tend to engage more frequently in emotional manipulation, prompting an exploration into the nuanced interplay between gender roles and this behavior ^1 ^2.

The concept of emotional intelligence (EI) recognized its potential for both positive and nefarious purposes ^1. However, existing measures of EI were predominantly prosocial, lacking a comprehensive examination of manipulating others' emotions for antisocial ends 1. Emotional manipulation, thus, emerged in the literature as the ‘dark side’ of EI, prompting further investigation into its gender-specific manifestations 1. Subsequent studies found that men exhibited higher levels of this negative form of emotional intelligence than women, sparking curiosity about the underlying causes of this gender disparity ^1 ^2.

The study encompassed 574 participants, with 435 females and 139 males, engaging in an anonymous online personality study. Participants self-reported their levels of masculine and feminine gender roles, primary and secondary psychopathy, trait emotional intelligence, and emotional manipulation. Rigorous statistical analyses were conducted separately for males and females, ensuring a meticulous examination of distinct patterns ^1.

The research findings unveiled significant gender differences in emotional manipulation, primary psychopathy, and feminine gender roles ^1. Males reported higher levels of emotional manipulation and primary psychopathy, while females exhibited stronger feminine gender roles ^1. Masculine gender roles emerged as a significant positive predictor of emotional manipulation for both genders, aligning with the active and dominating interpersonal style characteristic of this behavior ^1. However, the anticipated negative correlation with feminine gender roles was only partially supported, indicating a nuanced interplay between societal expectations and emotional manipulation patterns ^1.

The study's results deepen our understanding of emotional manipulation by elucidating the impact of gender roles ^1. Masculine gender roles, associated with power, dominance, and action, were found to positively influence emotional manipulation, corroborating the active and dominating interpersonal style observed in manipulative behavior ^1. However, the lack of a significant negative correlation with feminine gender roles underlines the complex nature of emotional manipulation influenced by societal expectations and gender norms 1.

This research highlights the pivotal role played by gender roles in shaping emotional manipulation patterns, underscoring the need for a nuanced understanding of the interplay between socialization, gender roles, and emotional manipulation ^1.

Footnotes
Austin, E. J., et al. (2007). Emotional intelligence, Machiavellianism and emotional manipulation: Does EI have a dark side? Personality and Individual Differences. ^1

Bacon, A. M., et al. (2018). Trait emotional intelligence and social deviance in males and females. Personality and Individual Differences. ^2