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The Dark Core of Personality

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Many negatively connoted personality traits (often termed “dark traits”) have been introduced to account for ethically, morally, and socially questionable behavior. Herein, we provide a unifying, comprehensive theoretical framework for understanding dark personality in terms of a general dispositional tendency of which dark traits arise as specific manifestations. That is, we theoretically specify the common core of dark traits, which we call the Dark Factor of Personality ( D ). The fluid concept of D captures individual differences in the tendency to maximize one’s individual utility—disregarding, accepting, or malevolently provoking disutility for others—accompanied by beliefs that serve as justifications. To critically test D, we unify and extend prior work methodologically and empirically by considering a large number of dark traits simultaneously, using statistical approaches tailored to capture both the common core and the unique content of dark traits, and testing the predictive validity of both D and the unique content of dark traits with respect to diverse criteria including fully consequential and incentive-compatible behavior. In a series of four studies ( N > 2,500), we provide evidence in support of the theoretical conceptualization of D, show that dark traits can be understood as specific manifestations of D, demonstrate that D predicts a multitude of criteria in the realm of ethically, morally, and socially questionable behavior, and illustrate that D does not depend on any particular indicator variable included.
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... TIV represents a new dark personality trait. Marcus and Zeigler-Hill (2015) proposed that new dark traits should be tested to see the relationship of such variables with existing traits (Marcus & Zeigler-Hill, 2015), and integrating new traits with preexisting traits (Moshagen et al., 2018) warrant such an investigation. This study with TIV will be compared to established measures of dark traits to determine if TIV provides incremental prediction of unique variance over these established measures for unethical behavior in the workplace. ...
... Researchers have proposed that a common dimension, (D), underlies all dark traits (Moshagen et al., 2018). D refers to a "general tendency to maximize one's individual utility -disregarding, accepting, or malevolently provoking disutility for others-accompanied by beliefs that serve as justifications" (Moshagen et al., 2018, p. 657). ...
... has supported the presence of a strong general factor (i.e., D) underlying these socially aversive aspects of personality (Moshagen et al., 2018). TIV, however, has not been studied to determine if it is an indicator of this common core, D. TIV also shares similarities with the Dark Tetrad, namely a set of four interrelated traits that function as indicators of a dark core of personality. ...
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Recent research has shown that a tendency for interpersonal victimhood (TIV) predicts maladaptive thinking and antagonistic behavior. However, understanding TIV’s place in the nomological network of personality variables used to predict moral behavior in organizations. This paper attempted to bridge this gap by examining TIV’s associations with morally relevant personality traits and TIV’s prediction of unethical organizational behavior in two studies. For the studies, we relied on two samples of U.S. adults recruited via an online crowdsourcing platform (NTotal = 1,080) using survey methods. Study 1 (N = 485) showed that TIV had a sizeable loading onto an overarching Dark Factor of Personality (D), which contained TIV, the Dark Tetrad, and moral disengagement. Study 2 (N = 405-595) showed that TIV predicted counterproductive work behavior (CWB) and unethical pro-organizational behavior (UPB), even after controlling for morally relevant HEXACO traits and demographic variables. Supplemental analyses indicated that TIV’s rumination facet primarily drives its relationship with CWB, while its lack of empathy facet primarily drives its relationship with UPB. TIV tended to have small to moderate positive correlations with dark traits (e.g., the Dark Triad, moral disengagement) (r = 0.30-0.50) and small negative correlations with light traits (e.g., the Light Triad, Honesty-humility, moral identity-internalization). This research provides evidence supporting TIV’s place in the nomological network of moral personality and its influence on destructive organizational behavior.
... In response to this criticism, three main strategies can be found in the current literature: reducing the number of dark traits Persson et al., 2019;Sharpe et al., 2021), including additional dark traits (Buckels et al., 2013;Moshagen et al., 2018;Paulhus et al., 2021), and maintaining the number of traits while improving the items or the selection (Krasko and Kaiser, 2023;Küfner et al., 2014). A fourth strategy: developing a new questionnaire that addresses the root of the problem is rarely found in the literature. ...
... The general factor was often interpreted as the common trait underlying all measured characteristics. The specific factors were interpreted as if they represent unique characteristics of each traitsuch as impulsivity for psychopathy, manipulativeness for Machiavellianism, or grandiosity for narcissism-after accounting for the shared general factor (McLarnon and Tarraf, 2017;Moshagen et al., 2018). They are often referred to only as Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism (e.g., McLarnon and Tarraf, 2017;Vaughan et al., 2019). ...
... The second research question follows the existing discourse whether there is a general factor of the DT (e.g., Moshagen et al., 2018;Vize et al., 2021). This study addresses the question of whether the two most prominent instruments are capable of capturing such a structure. ...
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This research examines the factor structure and psychometric properties of two well-known Dark Triad personality trait questionnaires: the Short Dark Triad (SD3) and the Dirty Dozen (DD). By analyzing data from 11 (SD3) and 5 (DD) carefully selected studies in the United States and Canada, this meta-analysis uncovers unexpected correlations among questionnaire items, challenging existing assumptions. The study employs a two-stage structural equation modeling approach to evaluate various measurement models. Conventional models, such as the correlated factor and orthogonal bifactor models, fail to explain the irregular correlations. For Dirty Dozen items, a bifactor-(S·I-1) model is more suitable than the orthogonal bifactor model, significantly affecting interpretation. On the other hand, the complex structure of the SD3 necessitates item revision to enhance reliability, discriminant validity, and predictive validity. These findings emphasize the need for refining and clarifying concepts in item revision. Furthermore, the research highlights the overlap between Machiavellianism and psychopathy, particularly in relation to revenge-related items, suggesting the need for differentiation between these traits or the identification of distinct core characteristics.
... Se concluye que existe una correlación disatenuada negativa y estadísticamente significativa para cada uno de los fundamentos morales y el factor general de la triada oscura. Introducción Los constructos de la triada oscura capturan rasgos de personalidad malevolentes y nocivos para las otros (Jonason et al., 2009;Jonason et al., 2013;Götz et al., 2020), ya que están caracterizados por maximizar el beneficio individual sobre el resto Moshagen et al., 2018). Estos constructos están compuestos por la psicopatía, que se caracteriza por la insensibilidad, impulsividad y falta de remordimiento (Jonason & Tost, 2010;Jonason & Webster, 2015). ...
... Por otra parte, existe una constante discusión sobre las coincidencias en los rasgos de la triada oscura, tales como la hostilidad y falta de humildad (Paulhus & Williams, 2002;Lee & Ashton, 2005), generando un conjunto de rasgos moral y éticamente cuestionables (Kavanagh, et al., 2013;Hartung et al., 2022) por lo que se teoriza un núcleo oscuro, una estrategia evolutiva de vida rápida, que busca el emparejamiento y reproducción a corto plazo y que subyace a la triada oscura (Jonason et al., 2009;Jonason et al., 2011). Este núcleo oscuro estaría descrito por un patrón del individuo en generar comportamientos que maximizan el beneficio propio, sin considerar el del resto (Moshagen et al., 2018). ...
... Esta tendencia al beneficio individual sobre el de los demás (Moshagen et al., 2018) genera un contraste con la función de la moralidad, que suele favorecer la cooperación en aras del beneficio colectivo (Haidt & Kesebir;. A pesar de ello, se han realizado escasos estudios sobre la asociación entre triada oscura y moralidad. ...
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In the present study, the relationship between the general factor of the dark triad and moral foundations was evaluated. To do this, a sample of 723 participants was obtained to whom the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad (DDDT) and the Moral Fundamentals Questionnaire (MFQ) tests were applied; a structural validity and reliability test was carried out for the analysis constructs and A structural equation was modeled relating the general factor of the dark triad to the moral foundations. The results found adequate adjustments for the dark triad and moral foundations models separately and the integrated model, obtaining negative and significant relationships between the dark core and each of the moral foundations. It is concluded that there is a negative and statistically significant disattenuated correlation for each of the moral foundations and the general dark triad factor.
... Machiavellianism is viewed as a cold, manipulative style. Narcissism is associated with grandiosity and a desire to dominate others, and psychopathy is linked to manipulation, deceit, impulsiveness, cruelty, and risk-taking (Moshagen et al., 2018). A series of empirical studies has identified the dark triad as a disturbed psychological makeup that reflects a cluster of negative traits, hindering individuals' psychosocial adjustment and potentially leading to antisocial behavior (see Webster & Jonason, 2010;Lee & Ashton, 2014;Philip & Giammarco, 2014;Moshagen et al., 2018). ...
... Narcissism is associated with grandiosity and a desire to dominate others, and psychopathy is linked to manipulation, deceit, impulsiveness, cruelty, and risk-taking (Moshagen et al., 2018). A series of empirical studies has identified the dark triad as a disturbed psychological makeup that reflects a cluster of negative traits, hindering individuals' psychosocial adjustment and potentially leading to antisocial behavior (see Webster & Jonason, 2010;Lee & Ashton, 2014;Philip & Giammarco, 2014;Moshagen et al., 2018). The current study adopts the definition provided by Paulhus and Williams (2002), indicating that the dark triad in personality comprises three negative traits-narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy-measured by an individual's score on the Dark Triad Scale (Jones & Paulhus, 2014). ...
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This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the Dark Triad Scale within a Saudi Arabian context. A total of 205 participants were involved, with a mean age of 34.48 years (SD = 8.57). Exploratory factor analysis identified a three-factor structure corresponding to Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, each exhibiting high internal consistency (Cronbach’s α = 0.92 for Machiavellianism, α = 0.91 for narcissism, and α = 0.89 for psychopathy). The factors demonstrated satisfactory composite reliability (CR > 0.70) and acceptable convergent and discriminant validity, as indicated by an average variance extracted (AVE) greater than 0.50. Measurement invariance across gender was also established. These results suggest that the Saudi version of the Dark Triad Scale is a valid and reliable instrument for assessing the darker aspects of personality in this cultural context.
... However, researchers were unable to establish a negative correlation between empathy and aggression, leading to a broader understanding that callousness alone should not define inclusion (Rogoza et al., 2022;Spain, Harms, & Wood, 2016). Moshagen, Hilbig, and Zettler (2018) offered a clearer explanation of the criteria for including and excluding certain traits. They suggest that a trait may be classified as dark if it involves a consistent tendency to prioritize one's own benefits-whether in terms of monetary gain or social status-while neglecting or intentionally causing harm, either emotional or physical, to others. ...
... They justify or rationalize their actions by downplaying the extent of this suffering. This finding aligns with the framework proposed by Moshagen, Hilbig, and Zettler (2018), further supporting the classification of everyday sadists within the Dark Tetrad. ...
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Everyday sadism represents a significant aspect of the subclinical dark personality constellation, characterized by individuals who inflict pain on others for pleasure or personal gain. Such individuals may derive satisfaction from various forms of abuse: be it verbal, physical, or simply through observing others suffering. These subclinical dark traits are frequently observed in workplace environments, where individuals may hold a range of positions. In professional settings, they exhibit unprovoked aggression, engage in gossip, undermine colleagues discreetly, and partake in various counterproductive behaviors that they attempt to normalize through rationalization. Their lack of empathy prevents them from feeling shame for their actions. While sadists are undeniably deviant by nature, this paper investigates whether they also engage in what can be termed "deviant silence," where they remain silent for their own benefit. Using constructivist grounded theory, a qualitative research method that captures participants' vivid perspectives, we explored this concept further. Our empirical findings reveal two key characteristics of everyday sadists that contribute to deviant silence: self-prioritization and insecurity. Also, we explored characters from the Indian epic Ramayana to understand whether every human has the potential to become an everyday sadist.
... Additionally, we did not assess all aspects of antagonistic personality, and it is possible that the measures of psychopathy and Machiavellianism assess rather similar antagonistic constructs (Miller et al., 2017;Sharpe et al., 2021). Future validation work might examine alternative approaches to conceptualizing antagonistic personality (e.g., Moshagen et al., 2018). Moreover, future work might examine ICSS's test-retest reliability. ...
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Sexual sadism has long been of interest to scholars and clinicians in psychology, and most research on sexual sadism has focused on forensic samples. However, recently, research has uncovered the existence of sexual sadism in general populations. Measures designed to assess sexual sadism in the general population are lacking. To address this gap, we created the Index of Consensual Sexual Sadism (ICSS) and performed some initial psychometric testing of its structure, measurement invariance, validity (e.g., distinguishment from everyday sadism), and reliability. In this preregistered study, separate samples of community adults and undergraduates (N = 1,391; Mage = 24.21, SDage = 10.92, rangeage = 18–85; 68.40% female; 76.10% White) completed the ICSS and measures of sadistic pleasure in sexual and nonsexual contexts, normal personality traits (HEXACO), personality disorder traits, antagonistic personality features (e.g., psychopathy), frequency of sadistic sexual fantasies, romantic relationship satisfaction, and social desirability. The ICSS demonstrated a unidimensional structure that was invariant across the tested groupings of sample type, sex, and age; in addition, the scale had only a trivial relation to social desirability bias, and it related to the other outcomes in a way that highlighted its construct validity and distinguished it from everyday sadism. The ICSS seems a viable candidate for assessing consensual sexual sadism so that clinicians and researchers can begin evaluating the full spectrum of sexual sadism.
... In addition to the above example, ACEs may influence the development of Dark Tetrad traits via shared and distinct mechanisms. A shared mechanism could involve the disruption of interpersonal schemas (e.g., expectations regarding trust [or lack thereof], control, or power imbalances) which contribute to characteristics like egoism and spitefulness that are common across all Dark Tetrad traits (i.e., the Dark Core of personality; Moshagen et al., 2018;Tran et al., 2018). Experiences of betrayal or neglect, for example, might contribute to a worldview in which relationships are deemed inherently adversarial, and thus traits like Machiavellianism and sadism are fostered. ...
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Background Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) are linked to psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, while positive parenting practices correlate with narcissism. Objective We investigated whether ACEs and Positive Childhood Experiences (PCEs) predict Dark Tetrad traits, and whether PCEs moderate these relationships. Participants and Setting A total of 931 participants (283 men, 632 women, 16 non-binary; Mage = 35.72 years, SD = 12.52) completed an online survey. Method Participants completed the NPI, SRP-III, Mach-IV, SIS, CES-17, and the BCES. Results ACEs predicted psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism, while PCEs were positively associated with narcissism. PCEs moderated the relationships between ACEs and (a) psychopathy, and (b) sadism. Conclusions The findings highlight the protective role PCEs play in the development of certain Dark Tetrad traits.
... Podsumowując, nie ma wątpliwości, że natura ludzka posiada zarówno ciemne, jak i jasne strony. Jednak dotychczas w badaniach więcej uwagi poświęcono "ciemnej stronie" osobowości i jej związku z etycznie, moralnie i społecznie negatywnymi przekonaniami i zachowaniami (Moshagen i in., 2018). Twórcy jasnej triady, kiedy rozpoczęli pracę nad tym konstruktem, zastanawiali się, czym różni się życie osób reprezentujących cechy ciemnej triady od tych, którzy na co dzień wykazują postawę kochającą i dobroczynną (Kaufman i in., 2019). ...
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Cel: Celem badania była analiza związku pomiędzy cechami osobowości wchodzącymi w skład jasnej triady (wiara w ludzi, humanizm, kantyzm) oraz inteligencją emocjonalną, a także sprawdzenie, w jaki sposób te zmienne wiążą się z satysfakcją z życia u osób w okresie dorosłości. Metoda: Badanie przeprowadzono w grupie 162 osób w wieku od 18. do 85. roku życia. Zastosowano Skalę jasnej triady w polskiej adaptacji Gerymskiego i Kroka (2019), Kwestionariusz INTE autorstwa Schutte i współpracowników (1998) w polskiej adaptacji Ciechanowicz, Jaworowskiej i Matczak (2000) oraz Kwestionariusz SWLS (Satisfaction With Life Scale) autorstwa Dienera, Emmonsa, Larsona i Griffin (1985) w polskiej adaptacji Juczyńskiego (2001). Wyniki: Wyniki wskazują na istotne statystycznie dodatnie związki pomiędzy cechami jasnej triady, inteligencji emocjonalnej i satysfakcji z życia. Jedyną cechą, która nie wiąże się z satysfakcją z życia, jest kantyzm. Wykazano również pozytywną korelację pomiędzy inteligencją emocjonalną a wszystkimi cechami jasnej triady. Płeć różnicowała badaną grupę pod względem inteligencji emocjonalnej oraz cech jasnej triady – kobiety osiągały wyższy wskaźnik inteligencji emocjonalnej, a także wyższy poziom humanizmu i ogólny wynik cech jasnej triady. Uzyskano pozytywny związek pomiędzy wiekiem osób badanych a ogólnym wskaźnikiem cech jasnej triady. Badanie wykazało również, że inteligencja emocjonalna oraz cechy jasnej triady wyjaśniają 23% wariancji satysfakcji z życia. Wnioski: Badanie dostarczyło istotnych wniosków dotyczących stosunkowo nowego i wciąż rozwijającego się konstruktu jasnej triady osobowości. Uzupełniło dotychczasową pulę badań o związek z inteligencją emocjonalną. Inteligencja emocjonalna i jasna triada w przeciwieństwie do cech ciemnej triady wiążą się z wyższą satysfakcją z życia.
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