The Dark Triad Traits and Suicide Risk in Turkish University Students

IntroductionNumerous studies have been conducted on the nexus between the Dark Triad personality traits and the influence thereof within the context of work. However, a paucity of studies underscores the interaction between these traits with career interests and success, particularly within the South African context. This study aimed to investigate the direct and indirect effect of the Dark Triad traits on career interest and career success.MethodsA quantitative approach utilizing a cross-sectional design collected 406 responses from economically active participants using convenience sampling. The structured self- reported survey included the South African Career Interest Inventory (SACII-Short), The Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) and the Subjective Career Success Inventory (SCSI). Structural equation modeling (SEM) and moderation analysis were performed to examine the data.ResultsPsychopathy had a statistically significant negative effect on both career interests and career success. Contrarily, narcissism did not have a statistically significant impact on either career interest or career success. Machiavellianism had a detrimental effect on career success but not career interest. The moderation analysis supported the hypothesis that psychopathy moderates the relationship between investigative career interest and career success negatively, underscoring the disruptive nature of this trait on career outcomes.DiscussionOrganizations should practice caution when hiring or promoting individuals with Dark Triad traits, particularly in positions requiring collaboration, trust and long-term success. This could be achieved by integrating personality assessments such as the DTDD into leadership development, talent development and HR policies interventions to reduce the negative consequences of the mentioned attributes to career success.

The present study aimed to investigate the moderating effect of perceived punishment on the relationship between the Dark Triad personality traits and corruption in Brazil (N = 118) and the United Kingdom (N = 130). Participants answered the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Scale, as well as measures of corruption and perceived punishment. It was found that punishment predicts corruption in both countries. Regarding the Dark Triad traits, a relationship between Machiavellianism and corruption was identified in Brazil and the United Kingdom, although an interaction with punishment was identified only in Brazil. Moreover, psychopathy had no relationship with corruption or punishment in either country. A direct relationship was found only in Brazil on narcissism, although the interaction term was significant in both countries. In general, it was identified that perceived punishment and the dark triad traits contribute to the understanding of corruption, despite some differences in the results between Brazil and the United Kingdom.

Abstract. We tested the psychometric properties of the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen measure of psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism in Portugal ( n = 1,034) and Spain ( n = 386). Adult ( M = 43.40, SD = 14.81, range = 18–88) participants (1,113 women) completed the Dirty Dozen measure of each trait along with ultrabrief measures of extraversion, openness, neuroticism, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and religiousness and a lengthier measure of individual differences in depression, anxiety, and stress. Using confirmatory factor analysis and multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, we found evidence for measurement invariance for a 3-factor model of the Dirty Dozen in the sexes and countries. The Dark Triad traits and disagreeableness were present across the traits and countries. Across depression, anxiety, and stress, correlations with the Dark Triad traits were stronger in men than women. Our results suggest that the scale translations – in each country – are trustworthy paving the way for inter-Iberian and international collaborations.

Love actually: Is relationship status associated with dark triad personality traits and attitudes towards love?

Background: The dark side of human character has been conceptualized in the Dark Triad Model: Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. These three dark traits are often measured using single long instruments for each one of the traits. Nevertheless, there is a necessity of short and valid personality measures in psychological research. As an independent research group, we replicated the factor structure, convergent validity and item response for one of the most recent and widely used short measures to operationalize these malevolent traits, namely, Jonason’s Dark Triad Dirty Dozen. We aimed to expand the understanding of what the Dirty Dozen really captures because the mixed results on construct validity in previous research. Method: We used the largest sample to date to respond to the Dirty Dozen (N = 3,698). We firstly investigated the Dirty Dozen’s factor structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis. Secondly, using sub-sample (n = 500) and correlation analyses, we investigated the Dirty Dozen dark traits convergent validity to Machiavellianism measured by the Mach-IV, psychopathy measured by Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire Revised, narcissisms using the Narcissism Personality Inventory, and both neuroticism and extraversion from the Eysenck’s questionnaire. Finally, besides these Classic Test Theory analyses, we analyzed the responses for each Dirty Dozen item using Item Response Theory (IRT). Results: The results confirmed previous findings of a bi-factor model fit: one latent core dark trait, plus the three dark traits. An additional exploratory distribution analysis showed that all three Dirty Dozen traits had a striking bi-modal distribution, which might indicate unconcealed social undesirability with the items. The three Dirty Dozen traits did converge to, although not strongly, with the contiguous single Dark Triad scales (r between .41-.49). The probabilities of filling out steps on the Dirty Dozen narcissism-items were much higher than on the Dirty Dozen items for Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Overall, the Dirty Dozen instrument delivered the most predictive value with persons with average and high Dark Triad traits (Theta > -0.5). Moreover, the Dirty Dozen scale was better conceptualized as measured of a combined Machiavellianism-psychopathy factor, not narcissism, that can be replaced with item 4: ‘I tend to exploit others towards my own end’. Conclusion: The Dirty Dozen showed a consistent factor structure, a relatively convergent validity similar to that found in earlier studies. Narcissism measured using the Dirty Dozen, however, did not contribute with information to the core constitution of the Dirty Dozen construct. More importantly, the results imply a Single Item Dirty Dark Triad (SIDDT) measure of a manipulative and anti-social core as the content of the Dirty Dozen scale.

The literature suggests that people can accurately infer dark triad (DT) personality traits from other peoples' faces. Using a self-report scale, this study investigated the impact of participants' DT personality traits on their ability to accurately infer other peoples' DT traits from facial cues. We created composite facial photographs of Japanese people with varying Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism scores. The Japanese participants (N = 170) assessed these three DT traits in the facial photographs and completed a questionnaire that assessed their own DT traits. The results indicated that the participants could accurately infer all three DT traits from female faces but not from male faces. Male participants showed a positive correlation between accurate inferences of other men's Machiavellianism and their own DT traits. In contrast, female participants showed a negative correlation between correct inferences of men's DT traits and their own DT traits. These findings offer novel insights into human evolutionary and social adaptations.

Background: Sexting is an increasingly common phenomenon among adolescents and young adults. Some studies have investigated the role of personality traits in different sexting behaviors within mainstream personality taxonomies like Big Five and HEXACO. However, very few studies have investigated the role of maladaptive personality factors in sexting. Therefore, the present study investigated the relationship between Dark Triad Personality Traits and experimental (i.e., sharing own sexts), risky (i.e., sexting under substance use and with strangers), and aggravated sexting (i.e., non-consensual sexting and sexting under pressure) across 11 countries. Methods: An online survey was completed by 6093 participants (Mage = 20.35; SDage = 3.63) from 11 different countries which covered four continents (Europe, Asia, Africa, and America). Participants completed the Sexting Behaviors Questionnaire and the 12-item Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale. Results: Hierarchical regression analyses showed that sharing own sexts was positively predicted by Machiavellianism and Narcissism. Both risky and aggravated sexting were positively predicted by Machiavellianism and Psychopathy. Conclusions: The present study provided empirical evidence that different sexting behaviors were predicted by Dark Triad Personality Traits, showing a relevant role of Machiavellianism in all kinds of investigated sexting behaviors. Research, clinical, and education implications for prevention programs are discussed.

This study investigated the age differences in the Dark Triad (DT) traits with 2 independent samples. Personality was measured using the Short Dark Triad and the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen. Results showed a significant negative correlation between age and DT traits except for narcissism, which differed between the samples. Significant age-by-sex interaction effects were observed for Machiavellianism and the DT composite score, indicating that women showed a steeper downward age trend in dark personalities. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Background. The dark side of human character has been conceptualized in the Dark Triad Model: Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. These three dark traits are often measured using single long instruments for each one of the traits. Nevertheless, there is a necessity of short and valid personality measures in psychological research. As an independent research group, we replicated the factor structure, convergent validity and item response for one of the most recent and widely used short measures to operationalize these malevolent traits, namely, Jonason’s Dark Triad Dirty Dozen. We aimed to expand the understanding of what the Dirty Dozen really captures because the mixed results on construct validity in previous research.Method. We used the largest sample to date to respond to the Dirty Dozen (N = 3,698). We firstly investigated the factor structure using Confirmatory Factor Analysis and an exploratory distribution analysis of the items in the Dirty Dozen. Secondly, using a sub-sample (n = 500) and correlation analyses, we investigated the Dirty Dozen dark traits convergent validity to Machiavellianism measured by the Mach-IV, psychopathy measured by Eysenck’s Personality Questionnaire Revised, narcissism using the Narcissism Personality Inventory, and both neuroticism and extraversion from the Eysenck’s questionnaire. Finally, besides these Classic Test Theory analyses, we analyzed the responses for each Dirty Dozen item using Item Response Theory (IRT).Results. The results confirmed previous findings of a bi-factor model fit: one latent core dark trait and three dark traits. All three Dirty Dozen traits had a striking bi-modal distribution, which might indicate unconcealed social undesirability with the items. The three Dirty Dozen traits did converge too, although not strongly, with the contiguous single Dark Triad scales (r between .41 and .49). The probabilities of filling out steps on the Dirty Dozen narcissism-items were much higher than on the Dirty Dozen items for Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Overall, the Dirty Dozen instrument delivered the most predictive value with persons with average and high Dark Triad traits (theta > −0.5). Moreover, the Dirty Dozen scale was better conceptualized as a combined Machiavellianism-psychopathy factor, not narcissism, and is well captured with item 4: ‘I tend to exploit others towards my own end.’Conclusion. The Dirty Dozen showed a consistent factor structure, a relatively convergent validity similar to that found in earlier studies. Narcissism measured using the Dirty Dozen, however, did not contribute with information to the core of the Dirty Dozen construct. More importantly, the results imply that the core of the Dirty Dozen scale, a manipulative and anti-social trait, can be measured by a Single Item Dirty Dark Dyad (SIDDD).

IRT analyses of the Swedish Dark Triad Dirty Dozen

The Dark Triad represents a collection of three socially aversive traits, namely Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. In this study, we examined the psychometric properties of the Italian translation of the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) in a sample of 799 adults, and we explored the associations among Dark Triad traits, theory of mind, empathy, and alexithymia. The DTDD showed a good internal consistency and a bifactor structure including a three-factor non-hierarchical model and a global, second-order factor with all of the DTDD items loading on it. The DTDD traits were positively associated with alexithymia and negatively associated with theory of mind and empathy. Also, results of regression analyses showed that difficulty identifying feelings and a reduced emotional reactivity were significant predictors of the Dark Triad traits. Our findings support the validity and reliability of the Italian translation of the DTDD, and suggest that individuals with high levels of Dark Triad traits may have difficulties in understanding and processing their own rather than other people’s emotional states.

Social media use, which is regarded as a popular leisure activity around the world, brings about the risk of becoming problematic in its wake, and personality differences have been shown to relate with different levels of engagement in risky social media use. The purpose of this study was to examine the association of problematic social media use (PSMU) with Dark Triad (DT) traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism) and self-esteem. A total of 827 university students [495 (60%) women and 332 (40%) men, Mage = 20.36, SD = 1.47] filled out a questionnaire that included the Social Media Disorder Scale, Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Scale, and Single Item Self-esteem Scale. The direct effects of DT traits and self-esteem on PSMU and the indirect effect of narcissism on PSMU through self-esteem were investigated by applying structural equation modeling. Results indicated that, when controlling for gender and age, Machiavellianism and narcissism had small significant direct effects on PSMU, while the partial indirect link of narcissism via self-esteem was negligible. The model was able to explain 18% of the variance. Results were discussed in the light of existing literature.

This study addresses the need for a culturally adapted and validated measurement tool for assessing Dark Triad traits in the Indonesian population. The Dark Triad, consisting of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, are associated with various undesirable social and behavioral outcomes worldwide. Our research objective was to validate the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen scale within the Indonesian setting, using a multi-stage methodology, including Principal Component Analysis, Confirmatory Factor Analysis, reliability testing, and invariance testing. A sample of 429 Indonesian undergraduate students (17-23 years old) completed the adapted Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Scale, revealing strong psychometric properties, including validity by confirming a three-factor structure consistent with the theoretical framework, with model fit indices meeting established criteria (RMSEA = 0.054; GFI = 0.932; AGFI = 0.890; CFI = 0.971; NFI = 0.914; TLI = 0.959) and high reliability (α ≥ 0.7). There is also measurement invariance across men and women in DTDD. In conclusion, the adapted Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Scale is a valid and reliable means to assess Dark Triad traits in Indonesia, contributing to a deeper understanding of personality traits and their implications in this unique cultural context.

BACKGROUNDThe advances in communication and transportation facilities have accelerated the formation of multicultural societies worldwide. Personality traits may be one of the most important indicators of adapting to multicultural environments. Educational environments are multicultural in terms of the composition of students they serve. The present study investigated the predictive role of Big Five and Dark Triad personality traits on multicultural attitude and efficacy (MAE) among teacher candidates.PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDUREThe study population comprised of teacher candidates (N = 404) studying in Turkey. In order to collect data, Big Five personality and the Dark Triad, the Adjective Based Personality Scale and the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen Scale were used respectively. In addition, data regarding MAE were collected through the Multicultural Efficacy Scale.RESULTSThe results showed that openness to new experience positively (β = .16, p < .01) and psychopathy negatively (β = –.16, p < .01) predicted multicultural attitude. On the other hand, multicultural efficacy was positively predicted only by openness to new experience (β = .32, p < .001). Therefore, openness and psychopathic traits can play an important role in explaining multicultural attitude and efficacy. Also, there is no significant difference with regard to teacher candidates’ multicultural efficacy and attitudes according to their grade level.CONCLUSIONSIndividuals with openness to new experiences personality trait have a positive attitude towards multiculturalism, and they view themselves as competent to get involved in multicultural environments. On the other hand, individuals with the psychopathy personality trait have negative attitudes towards multiculturalism.

BackgroundThe dark triad concept suggests dark personality traits share a common core. Having reliable measurement tools is essential to test this claim. Concerns exist about the widely used Dark Triad Dirty Dozen (DTDD) tool, specifically regarding its ability to fully assess psychopathy. This study aims to adapt the DTDD for a Czech population and to enhance the psychopathy subscale by adding items. Examining the scale’s functioning in different linguistic and cultural contexts is crucial for ensuring its validity beyond the populations in which it was originally developed, and the Czech sample provides an opportunity to assess the stability of the DTDD in a less frequently studied setting.MethodsThis study (n = 6715, Mean Age = 36.14, SD = 14.72, Females: 65.5%) collected data from four online surveys in a Czech population. In addition to socio-demographic characteristics, we measured empathy, the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy), self-esteem, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness and Neuroticism.ResultsResults supported the original 12-item DTDD’s three-factor structure (CFI = 0.942; TLI = 0.925; RMSEA = 0.062; SRMR = 0.055), showing good internal consistency for the general Dark Triad factor (Cronbach’s α = 0.85 and McDonald’s ω = 0.89). A 14-item DTDD version with additional items demonstrated slightly lower fit (CFI = 0.93; TLI = 0.912; RMSEA = 0.063; SRMR = 0.062) and comparable internal consistency to the 12-item version. The 12-item version was invariant between genders, with males scoring higher. Narcissism correlated negatively with Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, and self-esteem, and positively with Neuroticism. Machiavellianism and psychopathy were negatively associated with empathy, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, and positively with Neuroticism.ConclusionsThis research confirms the 12-item DTDD scale’s validity in the Czech population.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40359-025-03371-y.