Psychopathy, egoism, sadism and narcissism are among the traits considered to be a part of the dark side of humanity — and new research has found people who exhibit these traits all share a common characteristic.
While characteristics like narcissism or spitefulness may not seem as extreme as psychopathic tendencies, scientists have found a behavioral link between people who exhibit these traits, and it’s not as uncommon as you might think.
Research from the University of Copenhagen revealed that people categorized in this “dark core of personalities” tend to put their own interests ahead of anyone else’s.
Another common characteristic researchers observed was the ability to take pleasure from causing other people pain.
The most predominant of these tendencies are known as the “dark triad,” which includes psychopathy (a lack of empathy), narcissism (excessive self-absorption), and Machiavellianism (the belief that the ends justify the means).
Some traits, like egoism or sadism, might appear to be more acceptable than those in the dark triad, but the study claims they are all derived from a common underlying disposition, dubbed the “D-factor.”
This means that if you display one of these traits, then you are more likely to exhibit some of the others as well.
Modal TriggerThe “dark traits” of humanity.University of Copenhagen
The research defines the D-factor as: “The general tendency to maximize one’s individual utility — disregarding, accepting, or malevolently provoking disutility for others — accompanied by beliefs that serve as justifications.”
Simply put, these people have a tendency to put themselves first, even at a detriment to others, and they often have an accompanying justification that removes any feelings of guilt or shame.
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