THE DARK TRIAD: PROBLEMS OF CONCEPTUALIZATION AND EMPIRICAL RESEARCH
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32782/cusu-psy-2025-1-6Keywords:
the Dark triad, narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, personality questionnairesAbstract
The article is devoted to the analysis of the psychological content of the Dark Triad construct and the means of its diagnosis. In Ukrainian psychology, the study of personality traits combined into the Dark triad is just beginning, therefore, it requires both clarification of its theoretical essence and the development of relevant diagnostic methods.Based on a review of modern scientific sources, various theoretical approaches and definitions of the components of the Dark triad are revealed: narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism. Are highlighted specific characteristics and behavioral manifestations of narcissism (self-importance, treating oneself as a special, unique person who needs constant approval); psychopathy (cruelty, ruthlessness in dealing with others, heartlessness, selfishness, intemperance, antisocial behavior); Machiavellianism (a desire for cynical manipulation and contempt for others, lack of empathy, focus on one's own interests, deceitfulness).Are presented the content and structure of psychodiagnostic tools for identifying behavioral patterns of non-clinical narcissism (Narcissistic Personality Inventory – NPI та NPI-16), non-clinical psychopathy (Psychopathy Checklist-Revised – PCL та Self Report Psychopathy – SRP), and Machiavellianism (Machiavellianism Scale – MACH IV), which are united by a method of obtaining diagnostic data based on recording the subjective positionsof the respondents. It is noted that a rather promising direction for identifying the level of intensity of manifestationsof the Dark triad traits is comprehensive questionnaires that contain relevant scales, meet psychometric validity requirements and allow obtaining a holistic picture of the personality profile (Dirty Dozen – DD and Short Dark Triad SD3).These diagnostic tools do not meet the needs of the practice of identifying individuals with signs of the Darktriad, which requires further theoretical and empirical research taking into account the conditions of the socio-cultural environment of Ukraine.
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