Cited by 946Personality Traits and PsychologyPsychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual OffendingPersonality Disorders and Psychopathology

The malevolent side of human nature: A meta-analysis and critical review of the literature on the dark triad (narcissism, machiavellianism, and psychopathy)

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Muris, Peter, Merckelbach, Harald, Otgaar, Henry, Meijer, Ewout·2017·Perspectives on Psychological Science

Abstract

The term dark triad refers to the constellation of narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Over the past few years, the concept has gained momentum, with many researchers assuming that the dark triad is a prominent antecedent of transgressive and norm-violating behavior. Our purpose in this meta-analytic review was to evaluate (a) interrelations among narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy; (b) gender differences in these traits; (c) how these traits are linked to normal personality factors; and (d) the psychosocial correlates of the dark triad. Our findings show that dark triad traits are substantially intercorrelated, somewhat more prevalent among men than women, predominantly related to the Big Five personality factor of agreeableness and the HEXACO factor of honesty-humility, and generally associated with various types of negative psychosocial outcomes. We question whether dark triad traits are sufficiently distinct and argue that the way they are currently measured is too simple to capture the malevolent sides of personality. Because most research in this domain is cross-sectional and based on self-reports, we recommend using a cross-informant approach and prospective, longitudinal research designs for studying the predictive value of dark triad features.

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Crossref · 10.1177/1745691616666070

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Authors
Muris, P., Merckelbach, H., Otgaar, H., & Meijer, E.
Affiliations
Maastricht University (NL)
Corresponding author
Muris, Peter
Venue
Perspectives on Psychological Science
Published
2017-03
Volume
12
Issue
2
Pages
183-204
ISSN
  • 1745-6916 (ISSN-L)
  • 1745-6924
OpenAlex
W2598979437
Cited by
946
References
193
Citations by year
2026: 89 · 2025: 117 · 2024: 105 · 2023: 105 · 2022: 124 · 2021: 124 · 2020: 128 · 2019: 85 · 2018: 52 · 2017: 17
FWCI
94.70
Type
journal article
Language
en
Locations
  • Perspectives on Psychological Science (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (publishedVersion, other-oa)
  • Research Publications (Maastricht University) (submittedVersion, other-oa)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Traits and Psychology
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Psychopathy, Forensic Psychiatry, Sexual Offending
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Clinical Psychology › Personality Disorders and Psychopathology
Keywords
Dark Triad, narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, gender differences, agreeableness, honesty-humility, Big Five personality traits, HEXACO personality, psychosocial outcomes, personality assessment
MeSH terms
Antisocial Personality Disorder, Humans, Machiavellianism, Narcissism

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