Researchers found people with personality disorders such as borderline personality disorder and narcissistic personality disorder, and those with depression and anxiety are more likely to participate in psychological research studies. Due to this, the findings of studies may be unduly influenced and may be difficult to be replicated.
Those 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.
People 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.
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.
While most people mellow with age, this does not appear to be the case for those with ASPD or psychopathy. Researchers report maladaptive behaviors associated with ASPD often get worse as people with the personality disorder age.
Researchers say most people consider manipulative, aggressive, entitled, middle-aged men they encounter to be the most unpleasant people to be around.
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.
Researchers investigate why some people take pleasure in hurting more vulnerable people.