Paulhus & Williams

Paulhus and Williams (2002) developed the "Dark Triad" concept, identifying three related personality traits: narcissism (self-enhancement and arrogance), Machiavellianism (manipulativeness and strategic thinking), and psychopathy (impulsivity and lack of empathy). These traits are often linked to socially aversive behaviors but can also be found in everyday interactions. The model helps researchers understand certain personality patterns that may lead to unethical or risk-taking actions, emphasizing that individuals may exhibit varying degrees of these traits rather than fitting into fixed categories.