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We investigated the putative redundancy of the Dark Tetrad (specifically, Machiavellianism-psychopathy and sadism-psychopathy) through an examination of the differences between correlations with self-reported narrowband personality traits. In addition to measures of the Dark Tetrad, participants in four studies completed measures of various narrowband traits assessing general personality, aggression, impulsivity, Mimicry Deception Theory, and Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory. Results generally supported empirical distinctions between Machiavellianism and psychopathy, and between sadism and psychopathy. Machiavellianism significantly differed from psychopathy across correlations for nine of 10 traits (Study 1), 8 of 25 facets (Study 2), aggression (Study 3), 12 of 25 facets (Study 3), four of five facets (Study 4), impulsivity (Study 4), and five of six facets (Study 4). Sadism significantly differed from psychopathy across correlations with five of 10 traits (Study 1), eight of 25 facets (Study 2), reactive aggression (Study 3), 10 of 25 facets (Study 3), three of six facets (Study 4), impulsivity (Study 4), and three of six facets (Study 4). Our findings challenge the claims that Machiavellianism and psychopathy, as well as sadism and psychopathy, as currently measured, are redundant., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Maladaptive personality traits, such as 'dark personalities' are found to result in a diverse set of negative outcomes, including paraphilic interests and associated (illegal) behaviors. It is however unclear how these are exactly related, and if related, if then only those individuals higher on dark personality traits and higher impulsivity engage in paraphilic behaviors. In the current study, 50 participants were recruited to investigate the relationship between Dark Tetrad personality traits (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism and everyday sadism), paraphilic interests (arousal and behavior) and the moderating role of impulsivity. Personality and paraphilic interests were investigated through self-report questionnaires. Impulsivity was measured both through self-reported dysfunctional impulsivity and the P3 event related potential using electroencephalography during the Go/No-Go task (i.e. response inhibition). The results showed that there was a positive association between psychopathy, sadism and paraphilic interests. Whereas everyday sadism was associated with paraphilic (self-reported) arousal, psychopathy was associated with paraphilic behavior. Although P3 amplitude was not associated with paraphilic interests, self-reported dysfunctional impulsivity was associated with paraphilic behavior specifically. However, there was no moderating role of dysfunctional impulsivity and response inhibition (P3) in the relationship between psychopathy and paraphilic behavior. Findings indicate that the relation between specific dark personalities and paraphilic interests may be more complex than initially thought. Nevertheless, risk assessment and intervention approaches for paraphilia and related behavior both may benefit from incorporating Dark Tetrad and impulsivity measurements., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

To date, no studies have examined a range of structural models of the interpersonally aversive traits tapped by the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4; narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, sadism), in conjunction with their measurement invariance (males vs. females) and how the models each predict external correlates. Using a large sample of young adults ( N = 3,975), four latent variable models were compared in terms of fit, measurement invariance, and prediction of intrapersonal and interpersonal functioning. The models tested were as follows: (Model A) confirmatory factor analytic, (Model B) bifactor, (Model C) exploratory structural equation model, and (Model D) a reduced-item confirmatory factor analytic that maximized item information. All models accounted for item covariance with good precision, although differed in incremental fit. Strong invariance held for all models, and each accounted similarly for the external correlates, highlighting differential predictive effects of the SD4 factors. The results provide support for four theoretically distinct but overlapping dark personality domains.

The present research examined whether the Dark Tetrad facets-narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and everyday sadism-are predictive of engagement in athletic aggression. In Study 1, participants (N = 603) received a list of 46 sport activities and were asked to assess the level of aggressiveness of the sport activity they participate in most intensively. They also provided self-reports of the Dark Tetrad. As predicted, athletic aggression was positively related to all facets of the Dark Tetrad. Multiple regression analyses showed that psychopathy had the most robust association with the engagement in athletic aggression. Study 2 (N = 208) showed that differences in the endorsement of self-transcendence values (benevolence and universalism) accounted for the relationships between Machiavellianism and psychopathy and athletic aggression. As also predicted, most of the Dark Tetrad scales were positively related to self-enhancing values (achievement and power). However, because self-enhancing values were not related to athletic aggression, they did not account for the relationship between the Dark Tetrad and engagement in athletic aggression. Overall, it appears that people who score relatively high on antagonistic personality traits tend to care little about the well-being of other people and therefore have little hesitation in harming others in their sporting activities., (Copyright © 2022 The Author. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

There has been an absence of consideration regarding measurement invariance across males and females in the widely available Dark Tetrad (DT) scales which measure psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism and everyday sadism. This has resulted in criticisms of the measures, suggesting that the assessed constructs are not wholly relatable between the groups. This article documents the construction and validation of the Dark Side of Humanity Scale (DSHS), which measures dark personalities from an alternative viewpoint, determined by the constructs as they emerged from the male and female data, whilst aligning with theory and attaining invariance between sex. Across four samples (n = 2409), using a diverse range of statistical methods, including exploratory graph analysis, item response theory and confirmatory factor analysis, a divergence from the widely available DT measures emerged, whereby primary psychopathy and Machiavellianism were unified. This corroborated past research which had discussed the two constructs as being parallel. It further supported the DSHS with a shift away from the traditional DT conceptualisation. The resulting scale encompasses four factors which are sex invariant across samples and time. The first factor represents the successful psychopath, factor two addresses the grandiose form of entitlement, factor three taps into everyday sadism whilst the fourth factor pertains to narcissistic entitlement rage. Construct and external validity of the DSHS across two samples (n = 1338), as well as test-retest reliability (n = 413), was achieved. The DSHS provides an alternative approach to investigating the dark side of human nature, whilst also being sex invariant, thus making it highly suitable for use with mixed sex samples., (Copyright © 2021 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

The purpose of this article is to identify the effects of dark tetrad personality traits (such as narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism and sadism) on counterproductive work behavior with the mediating role of psychological contract breach and the moderating effect of political skills. Previous researches have focused on the direct effect of the dark triad to measure the counterproductive work behavior of individuals. Recently, everyday sadism has been added to the dark triad and become dark tetrad personality traits. Therefore, this study examines the dark tetrad personality traits to study counterproductive work behavior. This study applied structural equation modeling using partial least square to test the hypotheses on a sample of 400 doctors from the health sector of Pakistan. The results of this study reveal that dark tetrad has a positive and significant effect on counterproductive work behavior, and psychological contract breach significantly partially mediates in the relationship between dark tetrad and counterproductive work behavior. Furthermore, findings show that the moderating effect of political skills also positively and significantly strengthening the link between dark tetrad and the psychological contract breach. The conclusion of this study is made an innovative contribution to the Pakistan health sector, researchers and policy makers to designing the relevant practical implications., (© 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Cyberbullying is a growing problem in the fast-evolving world of social media. Although this problem has been studied extensively, there is relatively little research examining it from the angle of the dark tetrad (i.e., psychopathy, Machiavellianism, sadism, and narcissism), especially across different ethnicities. In other words, this research makes original contribution by exploring the predictive ability of the dark tetrad traits in individuals of different ethnicities and their subsequent willingness to engage in cyberbullying. The study ( n  = 1,464) explores whether there is a positive association between the dark tetrad personality traits and cyberbullying. The results reveal that all four traits predict cyberbullying in participants from across three different ethnicities (Asian, black, and white). Furthermore, female participants score less than their male counterparts across all four traits. Researchers, academics, and legislators might potentially benefit from this research by considering focusing their interventions on helping offenders minimize the display of certain personality traits, thus taking steps toward cyberbullying reduction.

Objective: The Dark Tetrad traits (subclinical psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and everyday sadism) have interpersonal consequences. At present, however, how these traits are associated with the accuracy and positivity of first impressions is not well understood. The present article addresses three primary questions. First, to what extent are perceiver levels of Dark Tetrad traits associated with differing levels of perceptive accuracy? Second, to what extent are target levels of Dark Tetrad traits associated with differing levels of expressive accuracy? Finally, to what extent can Dark Tetrad traits be differentiated when examining perceptions of and by others?, Method: In a round-robin design, undergraduate participants (N = 412) in small groups engaged in brief, naturalistic, unstructured dyadic interactions before providing impressions of their partner., Results: Dark Tetrad traits were associated with being viewed and viewing others less distinctively accurately and more negatively., Conclusions: Interpersonal perceptions that included an individual scoring highly on one of the Dark Tetrad traits differed in important ways from interactions among individuals with more benevolent personalities. Notably, despite the similarities between the Dark Tetrad, traits had unique associations with interpersonal perceptions., (© 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

The Dark Tetrad (Machiavellianism, psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism) is a taxonomy of personality dispositions toward immoral, antisocial, and antagonistic behavior; still, its predictive power in the domain of criminal behavior is rarely tested. In the present research, we analyzed the associations between the Dark Tetrad and several indicators of criminal behavior (onset of criminal behavior, juvenile correctional measures, problematic use of psychoactive substances [PUPS], penal recidivism, number of convictions, violent offences, and the risk of future recidivism) in a sample of Serbian prisoners (N = 471). While all dark traits were positively associated with criminal behavior indicators on a zero-order level (except violent offences), regression analyses identified Machiavellianism as the most prominent predictor. Psychopathy positively predicted PUPS, while narcissism had a negative contribution to PUPS and penal recidivism. Interactions with the participants' sex showed that sadism represents a risk factor for females regarding early offences and PUPS, while Machiavellianism elevates the chance of repeated prison sentences for men. Finally, the structural model showed that juvenile offending mediates the association between Machiavellianism and general criminal recidivism. Findings showed the fruitfulness of assessing the Dark Tetrad traits in order to predict various aspects of criminal behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Infidelity is a common problem in intimate relationships and is often a main contributor to relationship breakdowns. The aim of the current study was to extend the infidelity literature by differentiating between physical, emotional, and malevolent forms of infidelity, and exploring individual differences (i.e., gender and The Dark Tetrad of personality) that are associated with perpetration in these forms. The sample comprised 240 participants aged 18 to 67 years (Mage = 29.41 years, SD = 10.32; 76.8% women). People with higher psychopathy were more likely to engage in all forms of infidelity. High narcissism was predictive of emotional infidelity, and high sadism was predictive of malevolent infidelity. Interestingly, gender was only predictive of malevolent infidelity, with women more likely than men to perpetrate this form of infidelity. Exploratory analyses indicated that many of the associations between Dark Tetrad and infidelity were moderated by gender. Results of the current study may support researchers and therapists in differentiating between different types of infidelity (i.e., emotional, physical, malevolent). Further, these findings may contribute to the development of screening tools for therapists working who provide support for infidelity in intimate relationships. We perform of a novel exploration of the Dark Tetrad of personality and perpetration of physical, emotional, and malevolent infidelity. By demonstrating differential patterns of predictors for these forms, we provide support for a dimensional conceptualisation of infidelity. These findings may have important clinical implications for relationship researchers and counsellors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, extensive research has been conducted on the dark personality traits. The term dark tetrad refers to a group of four interconnected traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and everyday sadism. The primary objective of the current investigation was to adapt and translate the recently introduced Short Dark Tetrad (SD4; Paulhus et al., 2021) into Urdu, as Urdu translation of this measure is not yet available. This study was divided into two distinct phases. Phase I focused on translation and adaptation of the scale. Phase II was dedicated to determining the scale's psychometric properties. The sample comprised 280 individuals, including 140 males and 140 females, who were selected using the purposive sampling technique and fell within the age range of 17-30 years (M = 24.43, SD = 2.79). The reliability coefficient of the translated scale is .73. The inter-scale correlation revealed a moderate to high levels of significant correlation between the four subscales. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed to confirm the factors associated with SD4. The results indicated that the translated SD4 is a reliable and valid scale. Given the rising number of individuals, particularly youth, displaying unfavorable personality characteristics, this measure can be used in a variety of settings especially in research and clinical settings. Additionally, it will aid future Pakistani researchers in improving Urdu translation, if needed, or translating it into any other regional language. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dark Triad, coined by Paulhus and Williams in 2002, consists of nonclinical psychopathy (violent tendencies and a lack of remorse), nonclinical narcissism (entitlement and need for admiration), and Machiavellianism (ruthlessness and exploitation) and others expanded it to include a fourth construct of sadism (pleasure in other’s suffering). Although the common unpinning of the Dark Tetrad is a lack of empathy, little empirical research has investigated the interrelationship among the components of the Dark Tetrad once empathy is delineated into affective (feeling another’s emotions) and cognitive (understanding another’s emotions) aspects. The purpose of this study was to determine the interrelationship of the Dark Tetrad and affective and cognitive empathy. Over 250 participants completed measures used to assess these constructs. We hypothesized that the Dark Tetrad would be inversely related to affective empathy, but Machiavellianism and narcissism would be positively related to cognitive empathy. The hypotheses were partially supported. Sequential (hierarchical) multiple regression yielded psychopathy, β = –.29, t(259) = –3.97, p = .001, narcissism, β = .20, t(260) = 3.26, p = .001, and Machiavellianism, β = –.17, t(259) = –2.46, p = .02, were significant negative predictors of affective empathy. Multiple linear regression yielded psychopathy, β = –.31, t(260) = 4.01, p < .001, was a negative predictor whereas narcissism, β = .13, t(260) = 2.10, p = .04, was a positive predictor of cognitive empathy. Theoretical explanations to account for both negative and positive associations of the Dark Tetrad include empathic inducement or the ability to manipulate others by overwhelming them with emotions to solicit a sympathetic response. Future research should seek to examine the differing relationships among these traits, specifically narcissism as it manifests both negative and positive attributes of empathy simultaneously. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Short Dark Tetrad (SD4) was developed as a brief measure of the Dark Tetrad, which comprises narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism. Previous research suggests the possibility of cultural differences in these traits in Western and Eastern cultures. We developed and validated the Chinese form of SD4 (C-SD4) cross four studies in a large sample (total N = 3181) to assist in solving problems caused by these differences. In study 1, we adjusted the item pool on the basis of the original form of SD4. In Study 2, we trimmed the scale to generate a 28-item version of C-SD4 and examined correlations with Big-5. In study 3, we examined the internal structure, measurement invariance, and criterion validity of the C-SD4. In study 4 we examined C-SD4 test-retest reliability and compared item content to standard measures. This package of studies suggests that the C-SD4 is a reliable and valid measure of the Dark Tetrad in Chinese participants.

Objective The explanatory power of the Dark Tetrad of personality (i.e., sub-clinical traits of sadism, psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism) in the prediction of risk-taking behaviours is yet to be determined. This study aimed to predict both self-reported and behavioural risk-taking from the four dark trait variables. Method Participants (N = 216) completed an online survey using the Short Dark Triad, the Assessment of Sadistic Personality, the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale and the automatic Balloon Analogue Risk Task. It was hypothesised that psychopathy would positively predict risk-taking, and sadism would uniquely positively predict risk-taking. Results Both hypotheses were partially supported as psychopathy and sadism positively uniquely predicted self-reported risk-taking, but this was not significant for psychopathy after a Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, psychopathy and sadism were not significant predictors of behavioural risk-taking. Conclusions Detection of factors that motivate individuals to engage in risk-taking behaviours could be valuable in clinical interventions.

Bullying refers to physical and/or psychological mistreatment or abuse by one individual or group toward another individual or group. Bullying is widespread in our society and carries considerable negative consequences. This phenomenon is caused by multiple factors, which include personality. Much more attention has been paid to the study of the perpetrators' negative personality traits than the victims. Several studies have examined the relationship between these traits—the Dark Triad or Dark Tetrad—and being a victim of bullying (or mobbing) in adults, especially in the workplace. However, only two studies have been located that have studied these relationships in adolescents. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the relationship between being a victim of bullying and the ark Tetrad traits, delving into the specific contribution of Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism in victims of bullying in Spanish adolescents. A cross-sectional study was carried out by administering the Short Dark Triad, the Assessment of Sadistic Personality, and the Peer Bullying Questionnaire to 393 adolescents aged 12–18 years (M = 14.18; SD = 2.52; 53.7% male). The Dark Tetrad traits predicted the victimization variables in the seven models analyzed, with the verbal abuse model being the model with the largest contribution. Of the four dark traits, sadism stands out as the trait with the highest specific contribution. Our results indicate, despite not implying a causal relationship, that those people with high scores in the Dark Tetrad traits tend to be more victimized by bullying. Knowing the personality traits of the bullying perpetrators and their victims, practitioners will have a complete picture of the personality variables that play a role in preventing bullying and its associated victimization.

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The explanatory power of the Dark Tetrad of personality (i.e., sub-clinical traits of sadism, psychopathy, narcissism and Machiavellianism) in the prediction of risk-taking behaviours is yet to be determined. This study aimed to predict both self-reported and behavioural risk-taking from the four dark trait variables. Participants (N = 216) completed an online survey using the Short Dark Triad, the Assessment of Sadistic Personality, the Domain-Specific Risk-Taking Scale and the automatic Balloon Analogue Risk Task. It was hypothesised that psychopathy would positively predict risk-taking, and sadism would uniquely positively predict risk-taking. Both hypotheses were partially supported as psychopathy and sadism positively uniquely predicted self-reported risk-taking, but this was not significant for psychopathy after a Bonferroni correction. Furthermore, psychopathy and sadism were not significant predictors of behavioural risk-taking. Detection of factors that motivate individuals to engage in risk-taking behaviours could be valuable in clinical interventions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study explored links between male Dark Tetrad personality traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism, sadism) and preferences for using outdoor and indoor female sex worker services. We also investigated the mediating effects of perceiving sex workers as deviant and as victims. Heterosexual males (N = 347) were recruited to take part in an online survey investigating personality and attitudes towards female sex workers. Path analyses revealed that psychopathy and sadism positively predicted preferences for outdoor but not indoor female sex services. Sex worker choice mediated positive links between narcissism and outdoor female sex worker preferences. Compared to indoor, outdoor sex services are associated with increased aggression and violence. Our findings highlight the importance of considering narcissism and particularly psychopathy and sadism when investigating individual male preferences for outdoor sex services that are being offered by particularly vulnerable women.

Certain disapproving friends and family may interfere in others' romantic relationships by undermining commitment processes. In the current study, we assessed whether friends and family members' scores on the Dark Tetrad, a constellation of socially aversive personality traits including narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism, predict relationship interference. In Study 1, 206 people selected a friend who was currently in a romantic relationship they disliked or disapproved of. They then indicated how often they interfered in the disliked couple's relationship, completed measures of the Dark Tetrad, and additional measures of interest (e.g., gender, closeness to the target of interference). In Study 2, 180 people selected a family member who was currently or formerly in a disliked relationship, before completing the same measures. In both studies, overall dark personality and closeness to the friend or family member positively correlated with relationship interference. Additionally, when controlling for overall dark personality and the other Dark Tetrad traits, sadism specifically predicted interference with friends' relationships; high narcissism and, surprisingly, low Machiavellianism predicted interference with family members' relationships. Implications for dark personality traits and relationships are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of negative personality traits on entrepreneurial intention and entrepreneurial behavior has become a research focus in the field of entrepreneurship. This study aimed to identify the influence of dark tetrad personality traits on the nascent entrepreneurial behavior and the mediating role of entrepreneurial intention. This study used partial least square-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the hypotheses on a sample of 347 undergraduate and postgraduate university students from China. The results of this study revealed that narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism have a positive and significant influence on nascent entrepreneurial behavior and entrepreneurial intention, which significantly partially mediates the relationship between dark tetrad and nascent entrepreneurial behavior. The finding of the study implies China's higher education and policymakers to unlock the hidden potential of its youth. This study contributes to the emerging literature on psychology and entrepreneurship and provides evidence that individuals with a high level of dark tetrad are more likely to be involved in entrepreneurial action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Implied precedence (i.e., the persons involved having had a prior sexual relationship) increases sexual coaxing and coercion (SCC). We examined whether General personality, the Dark Tetrad (Psychopathy, Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Sadism) and mating effort, influenced this association. HEXACO personality, Mating Effort (ME), Short Dark Triad (SD3), Sadism, and Tactics to Obtain Sex Scale (TOSS) measures were completed by 151 participants (M:F:Other = 45:103:3; mean age = 31.97, SD = 11.6). Coaxing varied more than coercion, but wasn't affected by gender or gender-intimacy interaction. Propensity for SCC with a current partner was higher than for an ex-partner or a neighbour, and for an ex-partner compared to a neighbour. SD3, sadism, and ME scores correlated with TOSS scores. Emotionality, Machiavellianism, and ME constructs significantly predicted coaxing, but only ME uniquely predicted coercion. These results suggest individual factors to consider in relationship advisory services and campaigns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dark Tetrad (D4; psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, sadism) and Vulnerable Dark Triad (VDT; borderline symptomatology, vulnerable narcissism, and Factor 2 psychopathy) traits share antagonistic tendencies, but also have distinct characteristics — the former presenting callous and unemotional traits, and the latter, emotionally vulnerable facets. The present study (N = 1651 community participants) aims to explore if the combination of D4 and VDT traits can yield meaningful personality profiles using Latent Class Analysis (LCA), and to compare these profiles on external variables, namely gender, age, PID-5-BF personality domains, ACME empathy dimensions, and BPAQ-SF aggression. The optimal LCA solution resulted in four profiles: Low traits (LT), Moderate Dark Tetrad (MDT), High Dark Tetrad (HDT), and Vulnerable Dark Triad (VDT). D4 profiles were distinguished by a continuum of severity, and qualitative differences were also observed on latent indicators leading to the identification of a VDT profile. Findings suggest that individuals from the HDT profile might be characterized by a cold relational approach with proneness to act aggressively, and to take pleasure in hurting others. The present study also provides further support for the VDT—characterized by negative emotionality, hostility, and feelings of envy. • Latent class analysis was used to identify dark personality profiles. • Full-length measures of Dark Tetrad and Vulnerable Dark Triad traits were used. • Four profiles were distinguished by quantitative and qualitative differences. • Profiles had distinct associations with maladaptive traits, empathy, and aggression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Political orientation is an individual's preference for a particular style of government, often conceptualised through the left-right (liberal-conservative) axis. Previous studies suggest that the dark tetrad personality traits psychopathy, Machiavellianism, sadism, and narcissism may be positively associated with conservative political orientation. However, because these effect sizes in primary studies are heterogeneous, the present systematic review aimed to assess the relationships between dark tetrad traits and political orientation using meta-analysis. In total, 28 studies were identified that reported zero-order correlations between at least one dark tetrad trait and political orientation. Findings showed no associations between political orientation and psychopathy, narcissism, or Machiavellianism. Although sadism was very weakly associated with political orientation (r = 0.10), this estimate was derived from few samples (k = 5). Neither sample (student vs general), political orientation measure (single- vs multiple-item), or political orientation construct (liberalism vs conservatism) significantly moderated the association between psychopathy and political orientation, but limited evidence suggested that the dark trait scale used did. Limitations included poor measurement of political orientation, reliance on self-report for measuring dark tetrad traits, and largely western samples, which future studies should address. In conclusion, the dark tetrad is mostly unrelated to political orientation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amazon's MTurk is a popular source of data for personality researchers. However, recent papers suggests that Dark Triad and Dark Tetrad correlations are inflated within crowdsourcing samples. We argue that low pay exacerbates the need to get through a survey as quickly as possible. In combination with low pay, crowdsourced workers must also worry about their work being rejected if they appear incoherent. Consequently, participants are incentivized to rush through measures such as personality surveys while trying to maintain an image of cohesion. In two studies (N = 361), we found that gist reading in online surveys is common. Further, we found that fear of rejected work was highest on MTurk, and that MTurk samples showed higher psychopathy-Machiavellianism correlations than Prolific or student samples. Finally, when fear of rejection and gist reading were high, the relationship between Machiavellianism and psychopathy was inflated. In sum, we argue that researchers who pay low hourly wages and place workers under fear of rejected work may be creating an artificial inflation among correlations of overlapping but distinct personality assessments. Thus, gist reading may explain some of the variance with respect to the inflated correlations among related constructs, particularly in samples of MTurk workers. • Correlations among the Dark Triad are unusually high with crowdsourcing populations. • These correlations may be especially exaggerated when pay is low and rejection risk high. • Individuals facing these pressures are more likely to "gist" read or skim content. • Gist reading inflates the correlations between overlapping but distinct constructs. • Safeguards are needed against gist reading to avoid inflating correlations among related assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The sub-clinical personality traits of narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and everyday sadism (i.e., the dark triad/tetrad) are known to predict subversive behaviours. Given increases in the prevalence of social media and internet use, and the growing knowledge about the negative consequences of their use, it is important to understand how these traits relate to online behaviours. We conducted a systematic review of the evidence for these relationships and found 26 studies which reveal these traits are related to trolling, cyber-aggression, cyber-loafing, sending unsolicited explicit images, the non-consensual dissemination of 'sexts', cyberbullying, problematic social media usage, problematic online gaming, problematic internet use, internet-use disorder, social media addiction, intimate partner cyberstalking, technology facilitated sexual violence, and technology facilitated infidelity. The review revealed evidence that psychopathy is the trait most strongly associated with these behaviours - Machiavellianism and everyday sadism were also consistently related to these behaviours, albeit to a lesser degree. Narcissism is the trait least consistently related to antisocial online behaviours. Highlights • The dark tetrad was consistently related to many antisocial online behaviours. • Psychopathy was the most strongly related to these behaviours. • Machiavellianism and everyday sadism were also related to these behaviours to a lesser degree. • Narcissism is the trait least consistently related to antisocial online behaviours. • Everyday sadism is a useful addition to the dark triad in the context of understanding online behaviours. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The use of social media platforms is now the cornerstone of communication. Nevertheless, seemingly innocuous habitual social media use may be a signal of behavioural addiction. This study examined the relationships among the Dark Tetrad personality traits (psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, sadism), impulsivity, and social media addiction. One hundred and twenty-eight Malaysian university students completed the GoStop Impulsivity Paradigm task, a laboratory behavioural measure of impulsivity. Participants also completed the Bergen Social Media Addiction Scale, the Short Dark Triad, and the Assessment of Sadistic Personality. Data on participants' average daily time spent on social media and the number of applications they had were retrieved from their smartphones. Correlation analyses showed that average daily screen-time and psychopathy were positively associated with social media addiction. Regression analyses revealed that being a female, having spent more time on social media, and scoring higher on the psychopathy scale were related to greater levels of addiction. Apart from having a positive correlation with the number of social media applications users had, impulsivity was not associated with any of the variables of interest. This study highlights the importance of a multi-measurement approach to assessing the psycho-socio-demographic variables implicated in the initiation, development, and maintenance of addictive behaviours. Highlights • Time spent on social media was positively associated with social media addiction. • Psychopathy was positively associated with social media addiction. • Impulsivity was not associated with social media addiction. • Being female was predictive of higher social media addiction. • Time spent on social media and psychopathy were positive predictors of addiction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous researches have shown that some aspects of Moral foundations do not correlate with indicators of immoral behavior, or even have positive correlations with them. The aim of this study was to explore the relations of Moral foundations with general (HEXACO personality model) and “dark” personality traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism and sadism). Data was gathered via on-line survey (N=402; 70% females). The results have shown that Openness is the best predictor from the set of basic personality traits: It has positive relations with Harm/Care and Fairness/Reciprocity and negative with the other three moral foundations. Psychopathy was negatively associated with Harm/Care and positively with Ingroup/Loyalty foundation. Machiavellianism was a positive predictor of Ingroup/Loyalty and Authority/ Respect. Results confirmed the existence of fundamental differences between moral foundations. Ingroup/Loyalty and Authority/Respect are partly based on immoral personal dispositions, which bring into question their conceptual status as human moral foundations. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. 47011: Crime in Serbia: phenomenology, risks and the possibilities of social intervention]

Although a disturbance in empathy has been related to all personality traits comprising the Dark Tetrad (i.e. Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, sadism), the relationship between different aspects of empathy and these dark traits measured jointly has not been empirically scrutinised. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the associations between the Dark Tetrad, the two-dimensional (cognitive vs affective) model of empathy, and the ability to recognize emotions. Participants (N = 576; 250 males) for this online study were recruited using the snowball sampling method via social networking sites. Results revealed that all personality traits were inversely related to both affective and cognitive empathy, except for a positive correlation between narcissism and cognitive empathy. The regression analyses showed that the unique aspects of the Dark Triad negatively predicted affective empathy, whereas only Machiavellianism (negatively) and narcissism (positively) predicted cognitive empathy. Although both psychopathy and sadism were inversely correlated with the performance in the emotion recognition task, only sadism remained as a significant negative predictor once the shared variance was accounted for. The findings established different empathic profiles of each dark trait, thus supporting the construct of the Dark Tetrad as a set of overlapping, yet distinctive traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Dark Triad of personality has received considerable attention since its introduction to the literature. However, this personality configuration has been assumed to be merely based on observed positive intercorrelations between narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, whereas the underlying factorial structure has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study set out to test the factorial structure of the Dark Triad, and further examined one proposed conceptual extension, namely the Dark Tetrad, with trait sadism included. A large, community-based sample ( N = 2463, 56% women, mean age = 41.4 yr.) completed self-report measures of the adverse personality traits narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism. Structural equation modelling indicated a better fit for a single latent Dark Core, as compared with assuming the Dark Triad traits as independent constructs. Adding sadism did not improve the explanatory value of the construct. These findings suggest that aversive personalities may best be represented by a single Dark Core of personality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent research suggests that subclinical sadism should be included in the Dark Triad. However, research on the assessment of sadism as a trait is lacking. To address this, we developed a new self-report measure, the Assessment of Sadistic Personality (ASP). In Study 1, 199 university students completed a preliminary 20-item version of the ASP, measures of the Dark Triad, agreeableness, honesty-humility, emotional intelligence, and sadistic tendencies. Internal consistency was acceptable and convergent validity was supported. After reducing the ASP to nine items, 202 university students completed a replication of Study 1. Internal consistency and convergent validity were again supported. When ASP items were combined with Dark Triad items, exploratory factor analysis supported the anticipated four-factor structure. These results provide preliminary evidence for the reliability and validity of the ASP as a new measure of subclinical sadism appropriate for use in conjunction with existing measures of the Dark Triad. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aversive personality has been found to suppress the positive relationship between authenticity and psychological functioning. While psychopathy has been consistently implicated, the role of other dark tetrad traits such as Machiavellianism, and the extent to which these relationships generalize across domains and cultures, remain unclear. The present research sought to investigate this across several cultures and two life domains: study and work. We tested our hypotheses in a diverse sample of undergraduates and working adults across three continents (N = 1052). Undergraduates from Australia, Singapore, and Malaysia, as well as working adults from the United States, completed measures of general and domain-specific authenticity, Machiavellianism, and general and domain-specific psychological functioning. Across six bootstrapping moderation analyses, Machiavellianism was found to negatively moderate the relationships between perceived authenticity and both general and domain-specific satisfaction, as well as domain-specific engagement and commitment. Machiavellianism was also found to significantly positively moderate the relationship between perceived authenticity and burnout among students. Our results provide strong and consistent evidence that Machiavellianism suppresses the positive relationship between perceived authenticity and healthy psychological functioning across cultures and life domains. • Perceived authenticity generally promotes positive psychological functioning such as well-being. • Machiavellianism and other dark personality traits weaken this association. • This moderating effect occurs in general life as well as specific contexts such as work and school. • The effect also manifests in non-Western cultural settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research examined for the first time how the "dark" tetrad (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, sadism, and grandiose narcissism) and adjunct dark trait vulnerable narcissism predict drive for social connectedness. Data were collected via an anonymous online survey (N = 395 adults) and analysed via multiple regression. As hypothesised, vulnerable narcissism was significantly and positively associated with a greater desire to experience social connection, but unexpectedly the same relationship was seen for grandiose narcissism. Also as hypothesised both psychopathy and sadism were significant negative predictors of the desire to experience social connectedness, however Machiavellianism failed to contribute significantly to the model. Findings indicate that both grandiose and vulnerable narcissists seek social connectedness, but likely as a means to gratify different needs (attention and contingent self-esteem, respectively). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With this meta-analytic review, we aimed to estimate the relationship that sadistic personality has with the Dark Triad traits and, secondarily, describe the research on the Dark Tetrad traits. We searched for articles in the following databases, PsycARTICLES, PsycINFO, PubMed, ScienceDirect, SCOPUS, and Web of Science, where we found 128 articles to qualitatively evaluate and 103 articles to quantitatively analyze. Sadism correlated with narcissism (r ¯ = 0.26), Machiavellianism (r ¯ = 0.43), and psychopathy (r ¯ = 0.58). The most common themes across the studies were: (a) structural aspects of the Dark Tetrad; (b) online behavior; (c) aggressiveness; (d) moral beliefs and behavior; (e) video games; (f) sexual behavior, and (g) emotional functioning. The Dark Tetrad traits correlated with several dysfunctional behaviors and socially maladaptive outcomes. Finally, sadism is potentially more similar to psychopathy and Machiavellianism, than narcissism. • All Dark Tetrad traits exhibited personality functioning difficulties. • Sadism correlated best with psychopathy in different social outcomes. • Sadism is the best predictor of aversive online behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term dark personalities refers to a set of socially aversive traits in the subclinical range. Not extreme enough to invite clinical or forensic attention, they can get along (even flourish) in everyday work settings, scholastic settings, and the broader community. Along with my research group, I have studied a constellation of these personalities—Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and everyday sadism—under the label “Dark Tetrad.” We have argued that, because of their overlap, these four traits should be studied in concert. Recently developed inventories now facilitate identification of the unique contributions of each trait. The present review highlights key advances and controversies emerging from work on these malevolent, yet fascinating, characters. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]