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Javaman

(65,737 posts)
12. The Dark Triad
Thu Jan 22, 2026, 08:33 AM
Jan 22
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 Jan 22 #1
Awesome drawing!!! mysteryowl Jan 22 #2
I have heard a high percentage of political leaders are psychpaths. mysteryowl Jan 22 #3
Politics and Business. littlemissmartypants Jan 22 #5
Hey I also wanted to thank you for bringing this Tadpole Raisin Jan 22 #30
Yeah bucolic_frolic Jan 22 #4
Would it be possible for our grade schools KS Toronado Jan 22 #6
Training people to identify, assertive reactions and avoidance, maybe. littlemissmartypants Jan 22 #8
LOL, I'll check it out KS Toronado Jan 22 #19
30% is a very alarming number LymphocyteLover Jan 22 #7
Prevalence estimates for psychopathy tend to be lower outside the US ... Auggie Jan 22 #9
Probably because other countries value family, time off, Tadpole Raisin Jan 22 #16
Link suggests genetics is mostly the reason why Auggie Jan 22 #27
True. But societal norms may then play a role in what Tadpole Raisin Jan 22 #29
Something empowers/stimulates the gene. Media? Politics? Auggie Jan 22 #31
Well, I do have a brother who's a psychopath but I can't say that pychopathology is... NNadir Jan 22 #33
Top 10 occupations which attract psychopaths. Tadpole Raisin Jan 22 #10
Thanks so much for sharing this, TR. I'm curious, why did chef surprise you? ❤️ littlemissmartypants Jan 22 #11
Mostly I think due to lack of any interaction with those people. Tadpole Raisin Jan 22 #14
Interesting. Thanks for the reply. ❤️ littlemissmartypants Jan 22 #20
Fascinating. ShazzieB Jan 31 #37
The Dark Triad Javaman Jan 22 #12
Ah yes, the dark triad. ShazzieB Jan 31 #38
Toxic masculunity, in large part SheltieLover Jan 22 #13
Jeezus. That's a lot of mean out there. Joinfortmill Jan 22 #15
I was listening to a psychiatrist explain this last week. BigmanPigman Jan 22 #17
Great, unnerving article ybbor Jan 22 #18
Hahaha!!! littlemissmartypants Jan 22 #25
Thinking of Francisco Solano Lopez, Paraguayan dictator who warred against RVN VET71 Jan 22 #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 Jan 22 #26
Probably just check out his name on the web RVN VET71 Jan 27 #34
It's so nice..... SergeStorms Jan 22 #22
Well, yeah. I have a brother who fits the bill but happily... NNadir Jan 22 #23
Perfect description of him! Mtnmama Jan 22 #24
It's barbtries Jan 22 #28
My ex is a psychopath. Glad he's my ex. Clouds Passing Jan 22 #32
Very interesting. ShazzieB Jan 31 #35
❤️ littlemissmartypants Jan 31 #36
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