23/08/2022
An Introduction to the darker side of human beings
The Dark Triad consists of three overlapping, trait distinct personalities, these being, Psychopathy, Narcissism and Machiavellianism. It was first introduced in the early 2000’s but since then there has been significant research into these potentially damaging personality types. Why so damaging?
Often the main reason is we just cannot believe individuals can exhibit such behaviours and be this way, and it is that naïveté that can cost people dearly in work, life and relationships. Those we would class as being manipulative, controlling and out right impossible to deal with can display personality traits within what we term the Dark Triad. Even more potentially damaging and challenging are those within the model known as the Dark Tetrad which include those classed as having a Sadistic Personality.
We are intrigued, puzzled but also often easily damaged by these individuals. Understanding these personalities can be of great benefit in both work, life and even relationships. One of the first things to point out is that if you do get what I term “played” by an individual in the Dark Triad it does not mean you are weak, stupid, foolish or blind. What we must realise and take into account is those in the Dark triad are good at manipulating and controlling others and not in a good way.
They all share a number of core traits of which many of you who have had anything to do with these personalities will know only too well. These core traits include, Manipulation, Callousness and Selfishness and a high degree of disagreeableness.
One of the core traits from what we call “The Big Five Personality Traits” is agreeableness. Research has shown that many in the Dark Triad are low on this trait, they simply will not agree with you in any way unless it is to their advantage. This links with the inability for many in the Triad to see the issue from others perspective, they often lack what will call “An Observing Self”
The main approach from an individual in the Dark Triad is one of attack and so they do not have what we might call defence mechanisms but rather control strategies. Understanding these strategies can greatly help our initial management of this type of person. What do these personality types do to control and manipulate people they come into contact with?
Psychopathy personality - Act out / intimidate, they put you on the defensive and make you feel like you are wrong or just stupid for even trying to challenge them.
Narcissistic personality - Rationalise / question, “why do you say that?” “So really is that what you think this is about?” These questions are set to do one thing, create doubt.
Machiavellian Personality - Low key flattery / deflection, the Machiavellian is perhaps the more cautious of the three and will not be as open in attack but will certainly aim to deflect any blame or suspicion coming their way by shifting attention or using flattery so you lower your guard.
There is no doubt that those in the Dark Triad or Dark Tetrad are very difficult to manage and work with and there are many techniques and approaches we can take to minimise the negative impact they can have on us. However in the first instance it is the development of awareness around the traits and impacts of these personalities and then building confidence that they can be managed and their damaging impact minimised that can help move things on for many involved with such potentially damaging and disruptive individual.
I have explored some ways to manage Dark Triad personalities in previous articles and in a follow up I will expand on how we can manage interactions with these individuals more effectively.
Martin Smith is a specialist training consultant specialising in dealing with manipulation and controlling types in the workplace. He is also and practising Psychotherapist with over 20 years clinical experience - he can be contacted directly via email - [email protected] or phone him on 07 973 410 010.
