Understanding about “Dark Triad”, Toxic People’s Personalities
If you’ve never met someone with a Dark Triad personality, you should be grateful that you’re a lucky person!
Have you ever heard of the term “Dark Triad”? Could it be that you’ve met people who have a Dark Triad personality? Even more scary, it could be that the toxic people around you’re people who have the traits of the Dark Triad personality! So let’s discuss together what the Dark Triad is.
The term “Dark Triad” was first coined by researchers Delroy L. Paulhus and Kevin M. Williams in 2002. This construct refers to the trio of negative personalities, namely narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy.
These three personalities are often identified with criminal and violent behavior. In addition, there are some common characteristics of the Dark Triad. For examples, manipulative, daring to do anything for their sake, and impulsiveness. Not surprisingly, people with this personality can be involved in criminal acts. So, we have to be careful with people who have a Dark Triad personality, especially if they are in the middle of our lives.
Narcissism, who always feels the greatest
The first part of the dark triad is narcissism, which is characterized by overly prideful, selfish, and arrogant behavior when dealing with other people. They feel superior and have a tendency to manipulate others, so they are unable to see the world through other people’s eyes. You could say that narcissism is an excessive love of oneself. A narcissist believes that he is superior to others, and he wants others to acknowledge that. In fact, they will not hesitate to cheat to get what they want. For them, the center of the world is themselves. While many narcissists are simply frustrating, extreme narcissists can become emotionally abusive or even violent when they are not given the special treatment they believe they deserve.
Machiavellianism, always manipulative
Machiavellianism is a personality trait of the Dark Triad. Most Machiavellians are manipulative — that is, they often cheat and take advantage of others for their own gratification. The word “Machiavellianism” comes from a 16th-century Italian diplomat named Machiavelli. He became famous for his book “The Prince” (1513), which advocated cunning and deception in diplomacy.
People with Machiavellianism tend to be cold, have cynical views, be cunning, like to lie when dealing with other people, and act only for their own benefit. In addition, skilled Machiavellians make a good first impression and can easily influence others. Therefore, it is not surprising that many Machiavellians have become leaders and important people because of their charisma. They are also more competitive than cooperative, but they are less morally or ethically compliant. No wonder, they will always pursue a higher position by justifying any means.
Psychopathy, the most dangerous persona
Psychopathy is considered to be the darkest or most toxic personality trait between narcissism and Machiavellianism, because it causes more harm to others. Psychopathy is characterized by:
- Demonstrate antisocial behavior, meaning behaviors that harm others, such as destructive behavior that violates norms.
- Impulsivity, which tends to be in a hurry to act, do things without thinking carefully, and easily changes.
- Thinking only about self-interest and lacking or even not concern about the needs of others.
- Lack of empathy and cold emotions. They rarely think about other people’s feelings, are not easily touched, and are sympathetic. No wonder they have the courage and the heart to hurt someone.
- Don’t regret or give up on the bad things they’ve done.
Things that need to be highlighted, this psychopathic trait is different from a psychopathic personality disorder. Psychopathy in the context of the “Dark Triad” is more general (non-clinical), meaning that it does not meet the requirements for being diagnosed with a personality disorder. In addition, psychopathy is also often found in perpetrators of violence and crime.
So, what if we have established a relationship with the Dark Triad?
If you have never been in a relationship with them, I advise you to avoid contact and limit your association and friendship with them. Don’t join their gossip circle! If you end up getting close to someone like this, make sure you go and end or break ties with them firmly. Also, make sure to maintain alternative sources of support in your life. For example, other close friends, family members, psychologists, or other professionals. Don’t let yourself be isolated. May we all be kept away from this person who has the three personalities of the Dark Triad.
