Dark triad — what it means

A research framework (Paulhus & Williams, 2002) describing three overlapping non-clinical traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Not a diagnosis — a personality-research lens for understanding manipulative interpersonal styles.

What it looks like

A boss who self-promotes constantly (narcissism), strategically uses people to get ahead (Machiavellianism), and doesn't seem fazed by the harm they cause (psychopathy) is what dark-triad research describes. None of those traits alone is a disorder; the combination is what's predictive.

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