Dark Triad

A meta-analysis of 26 studies involving more than 12,000 adults found that vulnerable narcissism was moderately linked to difficulty managing emotions, while grandiose narcissism showed virtually no connection.

Americans who still live in the state where they grew up score slightly higher on psychopathy than those who moved away, according to a study of nearly 4,000 adults. The gap was small but persisted in the strictest comparisons.

Why are some people drawn to manipulative or even violent partners? In a study of 400 Brazilian adults, those with darker personality traits tended to rate similar traits as more desirable in a romantic partner.

New research into the Dark Tetrad of personality indicates that psychopathy is the strongest predictor of both frequent and malicious gossip, while Machiavellianism is uniquely linked to gossiping across a wide range of strategic social goals.

While social anxiety and vulnerable narcissism both stem from feelings of inadequacy, a new study reveals they are driven by different types of shame. Social anxiety relies on self-criticism, whereas narcissism involves a broader fear of outside judgment.

A recent study of 344 incarcerated adults reveals that narcissistic traits fuel psychopathic tendencies through calculating, manipulative behavior. The research highlights how dark personality traits blend into survival tactics behind bars, particularly among women.

Specific bacteria in the human gut and mouth, along with digestive byproducts, are associated with psychopathic personality traits. The findings suggest the microbiome might influence how humans process emotions and regulate impulsive behavior.

Psychiatric symptoms alone do not explain why some people with mental illness enter the criminal justice system. A new study reveals that standard criminal risk factors, like antisocial attitudes and social environments, closely mirror their legal involvement.

A mother's emotional coldness may be a family risk marker for callous traits in teens with serious behavior problems. New research suggests the emotional side of maternal psychopathy predicts teens' callousness a year later, beyond their starting levels.

People with antagonistic narcissistic traits often view mental health treatment negatively because they harbor cold feelings toward psychologists and psychiatrists. However, a recent study reveals that self-promotional narcissistic traits might actually encourage more favorable views of therapy.

People who spend excessive time lost in vivid, immersive fantasies often report higher rates of social media addiction and hypersexuality. New research suggests that underlying narcissistic traits and fragile self-esteem may connect these compulsive behaviors.

A new study indicates that psychopathy and sadism predict support for violence on both sides of the Israel-Hamas conflict. While ideology usually drives partisan loyalty, these dark personality traits are linked to a broader acceptance of violence.

Why are traits like narcissism and psychopathy linked to creative success? New research indicates the answer lies in a specific thinking style—one that helps individuals filter out social constraints to focus on novel solutions.

Teenagers who exhibit narcissistic traits might gain a brief boost in social status, but that dominance does not translate into actually being liked. Researchers tracking adolescents found that early boastfulness predicts a distinct drop in later popularity.