Understanding the Dark Triad

The "dark triad" is the name for a mix of malevolent personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. People with dark triad traits are manipulative, entitled, and lacking in empathy. These people may gain your trust and then exploit it for personal gain.

It can be difficult to identify the dark triad, but certain behaviors can signal whether a person has these traits. Read on to learn about the dark triad, including personality traits and how to recognize them.

What Is the Dark Triad?

Delroy Paulhus, PhD, and Kevin Williams, PhD, coined the "dark triad" in 2002. The researchers noted the triad includes three malevolent personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.

People with all three traits often disregard others and lack compassion and empathy. They generally rate high in their willingness to exploit others to get ahead and experience little remorse when they cause harm. They can also be deceitful and aggressive.

Three Traits 

The dark triad describes three different but interrelated negative personality types. These include:

• Machiavellianism: This means being highly manipulative, willing to deceive others to get what you want, and having a cynical view of the world.
• Narcissism: This is defined as feeling superior and entitled. A sense of inadequacy typically lies beneath this grandiosity.
• Psychopathy: Key traits include lacking empathy and being emotionally cold while also being impulsive and prone to taking big risks.

The dark triad is not an official diagnosis in the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition" (DSM-5). Healthcare providers use the DSM-5 to diagnose mental health conditions.

Antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and psychopathy are closely related to the dark triad. People with ASPD and a psychopathic personality repeatedly disregard rules and ignore others' feelings. They show a lack of empathy and plenty of hostility and aggression, similar to those with dark triad traits. These personality disorders differ from the dark triad because they are typically long-lasting, begin during childhood, and follow a pattern.

How To Recognize the Dark Triad

It can be challenging to recognize a person who encompasses the dark triad. These people can be charismatic and charming.

"[People with dark triad traits are] masters at flattery and making a person feel like they're special and fortunate to be in the presence of a person of elevated taste, intelligence, and compassion," Paul Hokemeyer, JD, PhD, a marriage and family therapist based in Colorado, told Health.

These people cannot sustain this perception forever. They'll eventually exploit those close to them and burn out relationships.

Characteristics

People with dark triad traits often attempt to hide their true nature to gain your trust and then exploit it. In addition to the primary three traits, people with dark triad traits may have these characteristics:

• A chronic need to be fulfilled: These people often express disappointment, are never satisfied, and continually search for fulfillment.
• A history of being a "victim": People with narcissistic tendencies will quickly turn the tables when they are challenged. They often commit acts of gaslighting or rage when they fear abandonment or their self-esteem is threatened.
• An inability to sustain long-term relationships: This does not only mean romantic partners but friends, family, and work colleagues. They may have had several unsuccessful relationships in which they exploited others and burned bridges.
• Inconsistencies in their stories: People with dark triad traits may manipulate facts for their benefit, but they'll be unable to sustain their facade. You might find that facts and background details of their lives are inconsistent and do not add up.

How To Relate to People With Dark Triad Traits

Hokemeyer recommended against having a relationship with someone with dark triad traits. It can be dangerous to have a business association, friendship, or romantic relationship with a person with a dark triad personality. These people may exploit you, regardless of how much you try to get them to change. People with dark triad traits may be able to change. The likelihood of that happening, however, is low.

"The personality traits that make up a dark triad are deeply ingrained in their psyche and highly resistant to any sort of challenge that would manifest a change. The best strategy is to move away from them as quickly as possible," said Hokemeyer.

Seek help from a mental healthcare provider if you are in a situation in which you are unsure if the person has a dark triad personality or you cannot simply get away. A person with these traits might manipulate and use you to their advantage if you feel emotionally, financially, or physically depleted.

A Quick Review

The dark triad includes malevolent personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. People with dark triad traits are often manipulative and lack empathy. They may conceal their true nature to earn your trust and then exploit it for their personal gain.

It's important to distance yourself from people with these traits to avoid emotional, financial, and physical exploitation. Contact a mental healthcare provider if you are in a situation with a person with dark triad traits.