7 clues to recognize the “dark triad” personality

Could you recognize the personality of the dark triad? Most of us have a radar to perceive the manipulator, the liar, the one who does not tolerate frustration and, of course, the one who lacks empathy. However, behind many criminal behaviors or such harmful behavior, such as workplace or sexual harassment, this disturbing profile can be hidden.

There are those who define the dark triad as an entity as dangerous as the Bermuda triangle. Because whoever falls into that space, he will no longer be the same as before. This clinical term, coined in 2002, defines a set of dangerous traits that need to be known.. They are insensitive beings capable of anything to achieve what they want.

Psychology and neuroscience have been trying to understand aggressive and unscrupulous behavior for decades, and it was not until a few decades ago when this theory was introduced. The dark personality exists and, although it can occur in different degrees, all of them have an impact in any social scenario.

Learn to recognize the “dark triad” personality

To recognize the dark triad personality, We must keep in mind that it is made up of three traits: narcissism, psychopathic and Machiavellian. Thus, it is also important to note that this psychological reality only reveals subclinical signs. That is, we would not be faced with conditions such as antisocial personality disorder or a narcissistic disorder.

This construct was coined by researchers Delroy L. Paulhus and Kevin M. Williams in 2002. The authors, like many other experts on the so-called “dark personality,” have a very specific opinion. Perhaps, this whole set of traits would be shaping a profile that has not yet been delved into sufficiently.

It is important to detect and identify these types of behaviors in our closest contexts. We analyze it.

1. Great tricksters, seducers and snake charmers

When it comes to recognizing the “dark triad” personality, it usually takes some time. If this is so, it is due to a fact: they are like snakes that first seduce and then sting. We cannot leave aside that They are great chameleons of the scene, wolves in sheep’s clothing who know how to seduce and integrate into any context.

They are skilled at succeeding at work, at winning over people, at dazzling those they set their sights on to achieve something.

2. Self-complacent and arrogant

It is very possible that the characteristics that draw our attention the most are those related to narcissism. We will therefore be faced with very arrogant men and women. Personalities who need to attract attention, have power, be self-satisfied with their “apparent and dazzling” virtues and skills.

3. They have a great power of conviction

To recognize the personality of the dark triad, it is important to look at people who are skilled at convincing. They are capable of selling us smoke at the price of coltan, of making us believe that the error is within us and that they are possessors of the absolute truth. We cannot forget that The trait of Machiavellianism gives them that meticulous, cold and sagacious cunning with which to achieve what they want.

4. Without remorse, the personality without conscience

The “dark triad” as we have already noted, presents the trait of psychopathy. Something that could be seen in a study carried out at the University of Nottingham is that the lack of remorse and empathy was more significant in people with higher scores in Machiavellian and psychopathic traits.

In these last cases, something very specific occurs. The darkest personalities are moved by instrumental goals and to achieve what they want, they do not hesitate to violate ethical and moral principles. In many cases, they may be aware that they are inflicting harm, but they don’t care. They lack awareness when it comes to emotional connection.

5. How to recognize the most fragile “dark triad” personality

The dark triad falls within a spectrum. There will be individuals with more dangerous behaviors (the so-called dark personality), while others fall into that more fragile pole. However, what do we mean when we talk about “fragile dark personalities”?

When a person scores higher in the trait of narcissism, they show low self-esteem. This correlates with a greater need for attachment and recognition. They long to have people around them who serve as psychological reinforcers and validators. Without them, they are nothing. Hence, its fragility.

However, the darker and more incisive profile has a stronger self-esteem, is more calculating, less impulsive and can function as the classic lone wolf for long periods of time without needing anyone by its side.

6. Moral and social disengagement, the world does not adapt to me

There is another important factor when recognizing the “dark triad” personality. There are many who emphasize that the world does not adapt to their personal standards. They perceive themselves as superior beings, figures that cannot adapt to social codes., legal, ethical and even moral. They are above any structure, any entity or worse yet, any person.

This approach is what justifies them committing crimes and breaking any rule.

7. Erratic lifestyle

They don’t usually keep their jobs. They are also not good at maintaining friendships, relationships, etc. They cannot stand authority figures and it is common for them to be accompanied by problems of all types and varieties.. Many lead to substance abuse, are impulsive and have a recurring tendency to take risks.

Likewise, his unique tendencies in sexual matters are also significant: They can be harassers, harbor violent sexual fantasies, and display inappropriate behavior. It is true that these nuances do not appear in 100% of the individuals defined by the construct of the dark triad. However, it is a notable trend that deserves to be taken into account.

In conclusion, If we think that someone close to us shows these characteristics, we must protect ourselves. They are minds oriented towards only one aspect: self-gratification. And their needs, as we have already seen, go beyond what is permissible and even what is moral. Let’s keep it in mind.

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