The Dark Triad personality traits – narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism – can be toxic and damaging in the workplace. But be aware that someone exhibiting these traits may initially be a high achiever and potentially charming, conscientious and achievement-oriented.
The term “Dark Triad” refers to a trio of negative personality traits—narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy—which share some common malevolent features. The construct was coined by researchers Delroy L. Paulhus and Kevin M. Williams in 2002.
Psychopathy is considered the most malevolent of the dark triad. Individuals who score high on psychopathy show low levels of empathy and high levels of impulsivity and thrill-seeking.
The Dark Triad (DT) is composed of three closely related personality traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism. These traits have been linked to emotional deficits.
Men High in Dark Triad Traits are Seen as More Attractive
The men who were high in Dark Triad traits were rated as being significantly more attractive than the men who were low on them—and it was a fairly sizeable difference (more than a full point on the scale).
Women, particularly in respect of short-term mating, may be attracted to 'bad boys', possessing confidence, hard-headedness and an inclination to risk-take – all accurate descriptors of Dark Triad men; all attractive to women (Bassett and Moss, 2004, Hall and Benning, 2006).
Psychologists have identified three traits that make up the sinister-sounding "Dark Triad": narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy.
First discovered by Delroy Paulhus and Kevin Williams in 2002, the dark triad of personality consists of narcissism (entitled self-importance), Machiavellianism (strategic exploitation and deceit) and psychopathy (callousness and cynicism).
The “dark triad” makes us more creative but also more likely to cheat. It turns out there is an opposite make-up – the “light triad” – that could explain why some of us are naturally good. Do you tend to see the best in people, or assume that others are out to get you?
Dark triad leaders are authoritarian, as they have a limitless desire for power. They love to project an image of “toughness” and follow hardline policies, restricting people's rights and increasing punishments.
Often called sociopathy, ASPD is a known mental disorder. People who have it repeatedly disregard rules and ignore the feelings of others. And like those with dark triad traits, they show an alarming lack of empathy—and plenty of hostility and aggression.
If your partner, friend, or family member has ever made you feel insecure, unsafe, unloved, and uncertain, they may have high levels of the dark triad personality traits—Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism.
INTJs and INTPs as narcissists would take their rational side way too far. They would be the epitome of what we call the “cerebral narcissist,” using twisted logic to rationalize any mess or situation they've created. They would be prone to dehumanizing others all in the name of reason.
Dark empathy is characterized by emotional distance disguised as charm and understanding. It is usually motivated by personal gain. Dark empathy is related to the dark triad personality traits. The dark triad refers to the malevolent personality types of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
Individuals high on the Dark Triad traits appear to love in many ways. For instance, agape love – self-sacrificing love – was positively associated with Machiavellianism. As a group, the characteristic love styles appear to be ludus and pragma.
Is there treatment for dark triad traits? There isn't a 'cure'. But talk therapy can make inroads with narcissism and machiavellianism. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is often suggested, with its focus on stopping negative thoughts from becoming negative actions.
A new study has found that tasks designed to make someone more agreeable also effectively reduce a trio of negative personality traits known as the “Dark Triad” – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.
For example, feeling anxious for a friend when they're facing stress at work can be normal. However, if this anxiety keeps you from concentrating on the things you need to get done, it's considered toxic empathy. Another example is if you're the one all of your family members flock to for advice.
Individuals are considered dark empaths when they possess cognitive and/or affective empathy as well as characteristics from the “dark triad” — a collective term for three dark personality traits: Machiavellianism, psychopathy and narcissism.
In contrast, the Dark Triad was negatively associated with life satisfaction and growth-oriented outcomes, and showed stronger linkages to selfish, exploitative, aggressive, and socially aversive outcomes.