What is the Dark Triad Personality Assessment?

The Dark Triad assessment measures three socially aversive personality traits: Machiavellianism (manipulative tendencies), Narcissism (grandiosity and entitlement), and Psychopathy (lack of empathy and impulsivity).

Who developed the Dark Triad concept and when?

The Dark Triad was conceptualized by Paulhus and Williams in 2002, with assessment measures developed by various researchers.

What type of assessment is the Dark Triad?

It is a self-report questionnaire that assesses three distinct but related personality constructs that are associated with socially aversive behaviors.

What does the Dark Triad assess?

• Machiavellianism: Manipulative, strategic, and cynical interpersonal style
• Narcissism: Grandiosity, entitlement, and need for admiration
• Psychopathy: Lack of empathy, impulsivity, and antisocial behavior
• Overall Dark Triad tendencies

How many items and what format?

27 items (9 per subscale) rated on a 5-point scale (1-5) assessing agreement with personality statements.

How is the Dark Triad scored?

Three subscale scores (9-45 each) and total score (27-135). Higher scores indicate stronger Dark Triad traits.

Who can use the Dark Triad assessment?

Adults (18+) in research, clinical, and organizational settings for personality assessment.

What are the strengths of the Dark Triad assessment?

Comprehensive coverage of aversive traits, good psychometric properties, useful for research and clinical applications.

What are the limitations of the Dark Triad assessment?

Self-report format may be influenced by response bias, not diagnostic of personality disorders.