(Week 10 pt2) Theories of Personality 2 - The Dark Triad

Personality Theories: The Dark Triad and Tetrad

Introduction to the Dark Triad ✅

The Dark Triad (D3) consists of Narcissism, Psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. It has emerged as a significant area of study in personality psychology, offering a contrasting perspective to the Big Five personality traits. Jonason et al. (2014) highlighted its growing importance.

I) Subclinical Narcissism

Narcissism is characterized by:

  • A grandiose self-view, with an inflated sense of self-importance.

  • An excessive need for admiration.

  • A lack of empathy and intimacy in relationships.

  • A sense of entitlement.

  • A tendency to use others for self-validation.

Research indicates that narcissism is related to:

  • Higher self-esteem and confidence (Baumeister et al., 2006; Campbell et al., 2000).

  • Higher psychological health, well-being, and life satisfaction (Sedikides et al., 2004; Hill & Roberts, 2009).

  • Lower levels of depression, anxiety, and loneliness (Sedikides et al., 2004).

  • Being judged as more charming, at least upon first acquaintance (Back et al., 2010).

Overt vs. Covert Narcissists

Wink (1991) differentiated between overt (Grandiose Narcissism) and covert narcissists (Vulnerable Narcissism):

  • Both types are self-absorbed and arrogant.

  • Overt narcissists display grandiosity and exhibitionism

  • Covert narcissists exhibit hypersensitivity and vulnerability (Vulnerable Narcissism)

  • Overt narcissists report higher levels of happiness and self-esteem.

  • Covert narcissists report lower levels of happiness and self-esteem (Rose, 2002).

Narcissism and Aggression

Narcissism is linked to aggression, especially in response to ego threats or social rejection (Stucke & Sporer, 2002; Twenge & Campbell, 2003).

Kjærvik & Bushman (2021) conducted a meta-analysis (N = 123,043) which showed:

  • All forms of narcissism are associated with all forms of aggression (e.g., physical, verbal, bullying, direct, indirect).

  • The narcissism-aggression link is strongest under provocation.

Trends in Narcissism

Twenge et al. (2008) found:

  • A 30% increase in Narcissistic Personality Inventory (NPI) scores among university students between 1979 and 2006.

  • This was based on a cross-temporal meta-analysis of 85 samples (N = 16,475).

However, Wetzel et al. (2017) suggested:

  • An apparent decrease in narcissism across three U.S. student cohorts (1990s: N = 1,166; 2000s: N = 33,647; 2010s: N = 25,412).

  • Indicating narcissism fluctuates across time (Gao et al., 2019; Hamamura et al., 2021).

II) Psychopathy

Psychopathy involves:

  • Charm, manipulation, and ruthlessness, often leaving a trail of broken hearts and shattered expectations (Hare, 1999).

  • A complete lack of conscience and feelings for others.

  • Selfishness and do as they please and violation of social norms without guilt or regret.

Scale Structure of the PCL-R (Hare, 2003)

The Psychopathy Checklist-Revised (PCL-R) 2nd Edition includes two factors:

  • Factor 1: Interpersonal/Affective

    • Facet 1: Interpersonal (Glibness/Superficial Charm, Grandiose self-worth, Pathological Lying, Conning/Manipulative).

    • Facet 2: Affective (Lack of remorse or guilt, Shallow Affect, Callous/Lack of Empathy, Failure to accept responsibility for actions).

  • Factor 2: Social Deviance

    • Facet 3: Lifestyle (Need for stimulation/prone to boredom, Parasitic lifestyle, Lack of realistic, long-term goals, Impulsivity, Irresponsibility).

    • Facet 4: Antisocial (Poor behavioral controls, Early behavioral problems, Juvenile delinquency, Revocation of conditional release, Criminal versatility).

Primary vs. Secondary Psychopathy

  • Primary psychopathy is characterized by low anxiety and narcissism, possibly stemming from a genetic disorder involving emotional impairment and reduced empathy (Blair et al., 2006). Psychopaths show a reduced startle response to threat stimuli. Lorber (2004) found that psychopathy is associated with lower GSR for negative tasks in a meta-analysis (N = 95 studies).

  • Secondary psychopathy is characterized by high anxiety, often acquired through adverse experiences (Moreira et al, 2020).

Primary Pscyhopathy and diminished emotional experiences

Emotional Deficit Hypothesis

Herpertz & Sass (2000) state that abnormal or deficient emotional responsiveness is the hallmark of psychopathy. This involves emotional detachment from and indifference to the feelings of others, without remorse, shame, affection, or love.

Fearless dominance

Secondary Psychopathy: Causes

Secondary psychopathy is linked to adverse childhood experiences (Moreira et al., 2020). Kimonis (2023) proposes the ESCAPE-AL model for the development of secondary psychopathic traits.

Psychopathy & Antisocial behavior

Leistico et al (2008) in a meta-analysis of 95 studies (N = 15,826), found that the ‘Social deviance’ factor predicts antisocial conduct. Psychopathy generally predicts recidivism (Walters, 2003).

III) Machiavellianism

Machiavellianism is derived from Niccolo Machiavelli's (1469-1527) political philosophy, particularly