Individual differences in empathy towards terrorism

Abstract

This study (N = 557) explored how empathy towards victims and perpetrators of terrorism were associated with broadband (e.g., HEXACO traits; Dark Triad traits) and narrowband individual differences (e.g., beliefs in a competitive and dangerous world, social dominance orientation, religiousness, and right-wing authoritarianism) in samples drawn from Turkish and Australian undergraduates. Country differences revealed Turkish participants were higher in Dark Triad traits, social dominance orientation, right-wing authoritarianism, and religiousness than Australian participants. Australian participants had more empathy towards both victims and perpetrators of terrorism than Turkish participants. Sex differences in personality traits showed men displayed a "darker" personality, than the "lighter" personality of women. The implications of these findings were discussed in relation to the current threat of terrorism in Australia and Turkey. This study provided one of the first quantitative, cross-cultural assessments of empathy towards terrorism using the methods of personality psychology.

Date of Award	2017
Original language	English