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.
Neuroimaging study reveals those with psychopathy have a 10% larger striatum than non-psychopaths. Researchers say the increased size of the striatum, a brain area associated with cognitive and social functions, may account for a higher likelihood of impulsive behaviors and increased need for stimulation often associated with psychopathy. Additionally, researchers suggest there may be an element of heredity in the neural anatomy, adding support to the neurodevelopmental perspective of psychopathy.
Contrary to popular belief, those suffering from psychopathy are able to experience emotions, but they do have a blunted emotional response if their attention is directed toward something else. In essence, psychopaths feel emotions, but ignore them if they feel they might interfere with attaining personal goals.
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.
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.
Researchers investigate why some people take pleasure in hurting more vulnerable people.
While conventional thought considers those with psychopathic traits to be outgoing, charming, and bold, researchers say that many with psychopathy are more introverted.
Teens who display callous-unemotional traits are at higher risk of developing psychopathic traits as they enter adulthood.
Neuroimaging study reveals structural and functional differences in brain areas associated with emotional regulation in those with personality traits linked to psychopathy or antisocial personality disorder.
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.
Researchers investigate why people with psychopathic traits, and those who engage in acts of mass killing, tend to gravitate to certain careers.