11/22/2025
Decoding the Dark Triad of Personality
The "Dark Triad" is a term from psychology that describes a cluster of three distinct, yet related, socially aversive personality traits. Understanding these concepts is key to studying human behavior and social dynamics.
What are the three traits?:
Narcissism: Characterised by grandiosity, pride, egotism, and a lack of empathy.
Machiavellianism: Involves manipulation and exploitation of others, a cynical disregard for morality, and a focus on self-interest and deception.
Psychopathy: Distinguished by continuous antisocial behavior, impulsivity, selfishness, emotional coldness, and lack of remorse or guilt.
Individuals who score high on these traits often exhibit a combination of charm and ruthlessness.
Research suggests the presence of the Dark Triad is associated with various negative outcomes, particularly in interpersonal relationships and professional settings.