Empathy, Dominance, and Everyday Sadism: Insights from Educated Males in Pakistan

Abstract

With an emphasis on the issue of everyday sadism, the current study sought to investigate the link among educated males between empathy, order dominance, and sadism. This study combined a handy, non-probability sampling method with a correlation research approach. The Toronto Empathy Questionnaire (TEQ), Order Dominance Scale (ODS), and Comprehensive Assessment of Sadistic Tendencies (CAST-12) were completed by 100 educated males between the ages of 18 and 25.Findings revealed through Pearson’s Correlation was that, a positive correlation between everyday sadism and empathy (r = 0.45, p < 0.01), indicating that individuals exhibiting sadistic traits can also possess empathetic qualities. Conversely, a negative correlation was found between everyday sadism and dominance (r = -0.30, p < 0.01), suggesting that those engaging in everyday sadism do not necessarily exhibit dominant behaviors. The results imply that everyday sadism may represent a distinct personality trait separate from other forms of aggression and antisocial behavior, as evidenced by the observed correlations. This study contributes significantly to the understanding of everyday sadism, highlighting its prevalence among educated males and its potential impact on social interactions. The findings can inform researchers and practitioners in developing effective interventions for individuals exhibiting these behaviors, thereby enhancing awareness of everyday sadism beyond its traditional sexual connotations. Overall, this research underscores the importance of recognizing everyday sadism as a relevant factor in psychological studies related to personality traits and social behavior.