The term “Dark Triad” refers to a trio of negative personality traits— narcissism , Machiavellianism , and psychopathy —which share some common malevolent features. The construct was coined by researchers Delroy L. Paulhus and Kevin M. Williams in 2002.
What Is Dark Triad? (Plain Language Explanation)
Dark Triad refers to a pattern of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that many people experience. While it can be challenging, it's also well-understood and treatable.
Key Terms to Know About Dark Triad
- Symptoms: The specific ways dark triad shows up for you
- Triggers: Situations or thoughts that activate or worsen dark triad
- Evidence-based: Treatments backed by scientific research
- Comorbidity: When dark triad occurs alongside other conditions
3 Things Most People Don't Know About Dark Triad
- Dark Triad is far more common than most people realize
- Dark Triad is not caused by weakness — it has identifiable biological and psychological causes
- Most people with dark triad see significant improvement with the right support
Your Next Steps
Learning about dark triad is just the beginning. If you think you're experiencing dark triad, speaking with a mental health professional is the most valuable next step.