Evaluating former United States presidents, researchers report wars last longer under presidents who score highest on narcissistic personality traits.
People high in narcissistic traits showed higher levels of verbal aggression, physical aggression, and other bullying behaviors. They often extend their aggression to innocent bystanders. Narcissism was associated with a 21% increase in aggression and an 18% increase in violent behaviors.
Activities 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.
Despite common thought, not all people with dark triad disorders are void of empathy. Some people with dark triad disorders experience above-average empathetic capabilities. Researchers shed light on "dark empaths" and empathy deficits in those with dark triad disorders.
Both grandiose and vulnerable narcissists crave high social status and recognition. Grandiose narcissists consider themselves more successful at being able to obtain high social status, while vulnerable narcissists do not believe they get the social recognition they deserve.
Individuals 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.
A comparative review of 324 global research papers concludes narcissism is a risk factor for aggression and violent behaviors. The results were similar, regardless of age, gender, education level, or country of residence.
Contrary to popular belief, vulnerable narcissism is driven by personal insecurity and not an over-inflated sense of self. Researchers also found grandiose, or malignant, narcissism may be better understood as a manifestation of psychopathy.
It is estimated that 1% of the general population has psychopathic traits. Among the upper echelons of corporations, up to 3.5% of employees are psychopathic, with the percentage rising for those who are chief executives. Researchers investigate how those with psychopathic traits impact the workplace for other employees, and how corporate psychopaths end up costing the economy billions of dollars due to their unethical behaviors.
Those 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.
Young children considered to demonstrate more narcissistic traits are viewed by their peers as "true leaders", even when their actual performance was average. Researchers investigate whether narcissistic leadership could develop during childhood.
Negative personality traits and cognitive dissonance explain why some people are such sore losers that they can not concede a defeat.
