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Javaman

(65,242 posts)
12. The Dark Triad
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 07:33 AM
Yesterday
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_triad

Dark Triad

The dark triad is a psychological theory of personality, first published by Delroy L. Paulhus and Kevin M. Williams in 2002,[1] that describes three notably offensive but non-pathological personality types: Machiavellianism, sub-clinical narcissism, and sub-clinical psychopathy.[2][3][4][5] Each of these personality types is called dark because each is considered to contain malevolent qualities.[2][6][7][8]

All three dark triad traits are conceptually distinct although empirical evidence shows them to be overlapping. They are associated with a callous–manipulative interpersonal style.[9]

Narcissism is characterized by grandiosity, pride, egotism, and a lack of empathy.[10]
Machiavellianism is characterized by manipulativeness, indifference to morality, lack of empathy, and a calculated focus on self-interest.[11][12]
Psychopathy is characterized by continuous antisocial behavior, impulsivity, selfishness, callous and unemotional traits (CU),[13] and remorselessness.[14]
High scores in these traits have been found to statistically increase a person's likelihood to commit crimes, cause social distress, and create severe problems for organizations, especially if they are in leadership positions.[15] They also tend to be less compassionate, agreeable, empathetic, and satisfied with their lives, and less likely to believe they and others are good.[16] However, the same traits are also associated with some positive outcomes, such as mental toughness and being more likely to embrace challenges.[17]

A factor analysis found that among the big five personality traits, low agreeableness is the strongest correlate of the dark triad, while neuroticism and a lack of conscientiousness were associated with some of the dark triad members.[12] Research indicates that there is a consistent association between changes in agreeableness and the dark triad traits over the course of an individual's life.

Recommendations

6 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

Great, Frightening Post! Chasstev365 Yesterday #1
Awesome drawing!!! mysteryowl Yesterday #2
I have heard a high percentage of political leaders are psychpaths. mysteryowl Yesterday #3
Politics and Business. littlemissmartypants Yesterday #5
Hey I also wanted to thank you for bringing this Tadpole Raisin Yesterday #30
Yeah bucolic_frolic Yesterday #4
Would it be possible for our grade schools KS Toronado Yesterday #6
Training people to identify, assertive reactions and avoidance, maybe. littlemissmartypants Yesterday #8
LOL, I'll check it out KS Toronado Yesterday #19
30% is a very alarming number LymphocyteLover Yesterday #7
Prevalence estimates for psychopathy tend to be lower outside the US ... Auggie Yesterday #9
Probably because other countries value family, time off, Tadpole Raisin Yesterday #16
Link suggests genetics is mostly the reason why Auggie Yesterday #27
True. But societal norms may then play a role in what Tadpole Raisin Yesterday #29
Something empowers/stimulates the gene. Media? Politics? Auggie Yesterday #31
Well, I do have a brother who's a psychopath but I can't say that pychopathology is... NNadir 23 hrs ago #33
Top 10 occupations which attract psychopaths. Tadpole Raisin Yesterday #10
Thanks so much for sharing this, TR. I'm curious, why did chef surprise you? ❤️ littlemissmartypants Yesterday #11
Mostly I think due to lack of any interaction with those people. Tadpole Raisin Yesterday #14
Interesting. Thanks for the reply. ❤️ littlemissmartypants Yesterday #20
The Dark Triad Javaman Yesterday #12
Toxic masculunity, in large part SheltieLover Yesterday #13
Jeezus. That's a lot of mean out there. Joinfortmill Yesterday #15
I was listening to a psychiatrist explain this last week. BigmanPigman Yesterday #17
Great, unnerving article ybbor Yesterday #18
Hahaha!!! littlemissmartypants Yesterday #25
Thinking of Francisco Solano Lopez, Paraguayan dictator who warred against RVN VET71 Yesterday #21
Interesting. Thanks for sharing this. I'm going to have to read about it some more. Later when the roads freeze & I'm littlemissmartypants Yesterday #26
It's so nice..... SergeStorms Yesterday #22
Well, yeah. I have a brother who fits the bill but happily... NNadir Yesterday #23
Perfect description of him! Mtnmama Yesterday #24
It's barbtries Yesterday #28
My ex is a psychopath. Glad he's my ex. Clouds Passing Yesterday #32
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