Characteristics of Individuals with Low Integrity Easily Dis discerned upon Recognition:

Characteristics of Individuals with Low Integrity Easily Dis discerned upon Recognition:

While it's commonly assumed that ethical conduct and honesty are vital only for healthy relationships, it turns out they play a crucial role in your physical and mental health too. According to research from Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, maintaining high moral and integrity standards decreases the risk of depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease.

But, let's face it, not everyone's integrity is up to par. Here are 11 characteristics of low-integrity individuals that are easy to spot once you're in the know:

1. They harp on technicalities: Rather than focusing on the core issue or meeting you halfway, they zero in on technicalities and grey areas of arguments. Their lack of empathy makes them more concerned about the "win" than ensuring you feel valued, seen, or heard.
2. They lie about even the small stuff: They don't care about building a foundation of trust, so they're willing to lie about both small and significant things in their interactions. Consistent white lies may seem harmless, but research from the Journal of Neuroscience shows they're often driven by selfish motives.
3. They're gossipy: Whenever there's an opportunity to bond by gossiping or sabotaging trust, you can count on them. Remember, this means they're likely talking smack about close friends and family behind their backs too.
4. They blame-shift: They'd rather deflect accountability and blame others to protect their ego than be honest. A 2019 research study on accountability suggests that they often associate making mistakes with weakness, making them more likely to blame-shift.
5. They rarely keep their promises: They make grandiose promises without any intention or ability to carry them through. Self-aware individuals with emotional regulation skills, on the other hand, are generally better at following through on commitments[1].
6. They're unreliable: This can mean anything from being late, canceling plans last minute, or failing to show up for obligations they agreed to. Setting clear boundaries and expressing your expectations can help deal with this trait.
7. They twist the facts: They manipulate and gaslight people by skewing the story to favor themselves, aiming to spark confusion, self-doubt, and insecurity[2].
8. They change their behavior: They're not loyal or trustworthy, so they'll shift their personality to fit in with different people. This can be one of the easiest traits to spot once you recognize the pattern.
9. They lack empathy: People with genuine empathy prioritize compromise, setting their own needs aside, and open communication. Those with low integrity, however, often lack these qualities, and this is evident in both verbal and non-verbal communication[3].
10. They withhold affection: This is a common tactic in transactional relationships. Rather than offering love and affection unconditionally, they use it to manipulate and make people feel obligated to give them what they want.
11. They take credit for other people's work: They may take credit for others' achievements to assert their superiority. It's essential to address such disrespectful behavior to maintain healthy work environments and relationships.

[1] Gelso, C. J., & Gomes, J. S. (Eds.). (2017). The Oxford handbook of self-awareness. Oxford University Press.

[2] Elison, T. (2018). How to spot a liar: Managing deception at work and in life. Wiley.

[3] Haidt, J. (2006). The righteous mind: Why good people are divided by politics and religion. Vintage Books.

[4] Baumeister, R. F. (2018). Is there anything good about religious fundamentalism? A psychologist investigates the sources of hate, ethics, and politics on the religious right. Wiley.

[5] Franklin, M., & Rusbult, C. E. (2015). Advances in close relationship research: Brief your colleague, inspire your student. Psychology Press.

Zayda Slabbekoorn is a staff writer with a degree in social relations & policy and gender studies, focusing on psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories.

1. In the realm of mental health, upholding integrity in relationships can significantly decrease the risk of depression, anxiety, and cardiovascular disease, according to research from Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology.
2. Integrity plays a pivotal role in overall health and wellness, serving as a foundation for personal growth, relationships, and even excelling in education and self-development.
3. Despite this, not everyone maintains high integrity standards. Low-integrity individuals often zero in on technicalities and grey areas of arguments, neglecting empathy and the core issue at hand.
4. Such individuals are also known for their tendency to lie about even the smallest details, often driven by selfish motives as indicated by research from the Journal of Neuroscience.
5. They may also engage in gossip, blame-shifting, breaking promises, being unreliable, twisting facts, shifting their behavior, lacking empathy, withholding affection, and taking credit for others' work.
6. Recognizing these traits can help individuals protect their mental health and create a strong foundation for healthy relationships, both personal and professional.
7. With a focus on mental health, wellness, and lifestyle, Zayda Slabbekoorn, a staff writer specializing in psychology, relationships, self-help, and human interest stories, aims to share insights and encourage readers to cultivate healthy, honest, and fulfilling relationships.

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