In psychology, the dark triad comprises the personality traits of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. They are called dark because of their malevolent qualities.
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:
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Narcissism
- Is characterized by grandiosity, pride, egotism, and a lack of empathy.
- Narcissism has been found to correlate positively with extraversion and openness and negatively with agreeableness.
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Machiavellianism
- Is characterized by manipulation and exploitation of others, an absence of morality, unemotional callousness, and a higher level of self interest.
- People who scores high on this trait are excessively motivated by self-interest, cold, and lack morality.
- They view interpersonal manipulation as the key for life success, and behave accordingly. Individuals who are measured to have a high level of Machiavellianism tend to have low agreeableness and conscientiousness
Both have significant correlation with psychopathy
- Psychopathy
- Is characterized by continuous antisocial behavior, impulsivity, selfishness, callous and unemotional traits (CU), and remorselessness.
Vulnerable dark triad
The vulnerable dark triad comprises three related and similar constructs: vulnerable narcissism, sociopathy, and borderline personality disorder. A study found that these three constructs are significantly related to one another and manifest similar nomological networks. Although the vulnerable dark triad members are related to negative emotionality and antagonistic interpersonal styles, they are also related to introversion and disinhibition.