FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 21, 2025·6 min readWhen a Hug Turns Dark: How Manipulative Partners Use TouchTouch can strengthen bonds and calm stress, but not all affection is sincere. A new study reveals that people with “dark triad” traits—narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism—often use physical touch to control or manipulate their romantic partners.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·April 15, 2025·4 min readDark Personality Traits in Politicians Fuel Political PolarizationNew research reveals that politicians with narcissistic, psychopathic, or Machiavellian traits significantly increase affective polarization among voters. When citizens identify ideologically with such leaders, they become more hostile toward political opponents.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·September 3, 2023·5 min readDark Traits, Broken Sleep: How Machiavellianism and Psychopathy Impact RestA recent study delves into the link between the Dark Triad personality traits—Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism—and sleep quality, particularly in individuals with affective disorders (AD). Using data from 657 people, the research reveals that Machiavellianism and psychopathy have a significantly negative impact on sleep quality.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·January 21, 2023·4 min readPersonality Traits Could Predict Those Prone to PrejudiceThose with dark triad or antagonistic personality traits including narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy are more likely to endorse negative beliefs about others, especially the LGBTQA+ community. People with these personality traits adopt prejudicial beliefs as they downplay the importance of equality and show little interest in protecting others, researchers conclude.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 20, 2022·5 min readDark Personality Traits Make People Susceptible to Fake NewsPeople with Dark Triad personality traits are more likely to believe fake news, especially when doing so promotes their own selfish desires. Even when presented with scientific facts, those with dark triad personalities bend reality to their own liking. The more pronounced traits associated with self-interest were, the more those with dark triad personalities doubted there was a difference between actual facts and mere opinions.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 1, 2022·5 min readA Surprising Way to Tamper Ugly Dark Triad Personality TraitsActivities targeting agreeableness were shown to reduce Dark Triad personality traits. However, those with Dark Triad personality disorders are less likely to want intervention to increase agreeableness.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience VideosPsychology·June 28, 2021·4 min readTraits of a Troll: Research Reveals Motives of Internet TrollingIndividuals with dark triad personality traits, including narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, combined with feeling schadenfreude, taking pleasure from the misfortune of others, are more likely to indulge in internet trolling.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscienceOpen Neuroscience ArticlesPsychology·June 13, 2021·3 min readMachiavellianism Predicts Approval of Mind Upload TechnologyA new study finds those with Machiavellian personality traits are more open to the prospect of mind uploading once the technology becomes available. The study raises concerns about those with dark triad personality traits could disproportionately adopt the technology and supports concerns about antisocial use of artificial general intelligence.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·March 10, 2021·8 min readThe Dark Doesn’t Hide It: How the COVID-19 Pandemic Affects Dark PersonalitiesThose who are more narcissistic or Machiavellian reported experiencing more negativity and perceived the COVID-19 pandemic is threatening the world. Sadists, by contrast, reported more positive emotions as they felt the pandemic negatively affected the quality of life for others.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 29, 2019·5 min readNarcissism might be a dark trait but it can lower stress levels and reduce chances of depressionGrandiose narcissists are more likely to be "mentally tough", experience less stress, and are less prone to depression.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·June 21, 2019·3 min readFoodie calls: Women who date for a free meal more likely to exhibit dark triad personality traitsWomen who date for a free meal and without romantic interest in their dinner partners are more likely to exhibit 'dark triad' personality traits. Dark triad traits, including narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism, are associated with negative behaviors, such as exploitative behaviors and deception.Read More
FeaturedNeurosciencePsychology·October 2, 2018·2 min read“Dark Triad” of Personality Reflected in DreamsResearchers report those with dark triad personality traits tend to dream more about aggression and sex.Read More
