A recent study conducted by researchers from the University of Innsbruck in Austria suggests that individuals who prefer bitter tastes, such as those who drink their coffee black, may be more likely to exhibit “psychopathic” traits. The study, published in the international journal Appetite, analyzed the taste preferences of 953 Americans and found a correlation between a preference for bitter flavors and personality traits associated with psychopathy.
The researchers used two measures to assess the participants’ taste preferences and four personality questionnaires to evaluate their traits. The questionnaires evaluated aggression, psychopathy, narcissism, daily sadism, and Machiavellianism, as well as the “Big Five” aspects of personality: neuroticism, conscientiousness, agreeableness, openness, and extroversion.
The study found that individuals who enjoyed bitter flavors, such as black coffee, gin, and dark chocolate, showed a positive association with malevolent personality traits, including common sadism and psychopathy. This correlation remained even after controlling for other taste preferences, such as sweet, sour, and salty.
The researchers suggest that this finding may provide a new insight into the relationship between personality and behavior, and may help to identify individuals who are more prone to psychopathic traits. However, they also caution that further research is needed to confirm these findings, as the relationship between taste preference and personality traits is still in its early stages.
Associate Professor Megan Willis from the Australian Catholic University, who contributed to The Conversation in 2015, noted that there may be a weak correlation between preference for bitter tastes and psychopathy scores. However, she emphasized that “most will reveal themselves soon enough” if you want to know if someone is a psychopath.
The study’s findings have sparked interest in the potential connection between taste preferences and personality traits. While the results are intriguing, it’s essential to note that there is no conclusive evidence to support a definitive link between preferring black coffee and being a psychopath.
