the dark triad

dark triad traits

narcissism, psychopathy, machiavellianism

Narcissism traits

grandiosity, entitlement, superiority

• seeks admiration not connection

• deep seated insecurity

Machiavellian traits

• manipulative, strategic, cold, unprincipled

• uses manipulation/betrayal to get what they want

• better to be feared than liked

Psychopathy traits

• cold, impulsive, fearless, thrill seeking

• lacks emotional bonds or empathy

• no remorse or guilt

twin studies results

narcissism & psychopathy = genetically passed down

machiavellianism = more environmentally influenced not genetic

a narcissistic father might

pass on narcissistic traits genetically

• model perfectionism & status obsession

a machiavellianistic father might

share genetic material

• teach manipulative tactics & cynical worldviews

big five traits

• Narcissists = high openness, high extroversion, low agreeableness

• psychopaths = high openness, high extroversion, low agreeableness, low conscientiousness, low neuroticism

• machiavellians = low conscientiousness & low agreeableness

evolutionary perspective

dark triad = fast life strategy

• many sexual partners

• minimal parenting or environmental investment

• evolved in dangerous or unpredictable environments

in modern society

traits thrive in competitive environments

• machiavellian = manipulation

• narcissism = appearance/status

• psychopath = intimidation

consequences

• prone to impulsivity, aggression & selfishness

• passing down these traits genetically or thru the environment

dark triad & mental disorders

• suffer depression

• more likely to have a substance abuse disorder

• prone to isolation

• antisocial personality disorder