Is the Dark Triad common factor distinct from low Honesty-Humility?

Abstract

There is interest in the psychological meaning of the variance shared among the “Dark Triad” variables (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy). Unknown is the degree to which this common variance is distinct from that of the basic personality dimensions. We test the extent to which the latent Dark Triad overlaps with the low pole of the HEXACO Honesty-Humility factor (traits of sincerity, fairness, greed avoidance, and modesty). Using meta-analytic estimates from self-report data (N = 1402, k = 4) we find a near-complete overlap (latent correlation −0.95). Peer report data show a similar pattern. The latent Dark Triad corresponds almost completely with the opposite pole of Honesty-Humility, contrary to assertions that the common Dark Triad variance is distinct from other personality constructs.