Personal statement

Dr Tunde Paal is a Lecturer in Psychology in the School of Sciences, having joined Bath Spa University in May 2024. Her teaching is focused on the Individual Differences and Intelligence module of the BSc (Hons) Psychology course. Previously she held various teaching and research positions at the University of Pecs in Hungary and at Durham University in the UK.

She completed an undergraduate degree followed in 2012 by a PhD in Psychology at the University of Pecs in Hungary. Her thesis examined Machiavellian decision-making strategies in social situations.

She has extensive experience in evolutionary, cognitive and social psychology research in the area of the Dark Triad (with a particular focus on Machiavellianism) and its relationships with mentalizing abilities, socioeconomic status and social decision-making.

Her current research focuses on the connections between the Dark Triad and Sensory Processing Sensitivity / Highly Sensitive Personality in social dilemmas. 

Academic qualifications

  • PhD in Psychology, University of Pecs, Hungary
  • MA in Psychology, University of Pecs, Hungary
  • BA in Psychology, University of Pecs, Hungary

Professional memberships

  • Member of the Public Body of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences