The Shadow Selves Among Us

One in Three People Lean to the Dark Side of Personality

We all like to think of ourselves and those around us as fundamentally good, driven by empathy and kindness. But what if the reality is a little more… nuanced? Recent research is shedding light on the less palatable aspects of human nature, suggesting that a surprisingly large portion of the population exhibits personality traits often associated with the “dark side.”

A groundbreaking study led by Antonella Somma at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University in Milan has revealed that approximately one in three people – a staggering 33% – fall on the darker end of the personality spectrum. This spectrum encompasses what psychologists refer to as the “Dark Tetrad”: psychopathy, narcissism, Machiavellianism, and sadism. These aren’t just casual labels; they represent distinct but overlapping personality constructs characterised by manipulative tendencies, lack of empathy, inflated self-importance, and even deriving pleasure from the suffering of others.

While these terms might conjure images of outright villains, it’s crucial to understand that we’re talking about a spectrum. Not everyone in this 33% is a criminal psychopath or a violent sadist. Rather, they exhibit these traits to a degree that influences their behaviour, relationships, and interactions within society.

Decoding the Dark Tetrad:

Let’s break down these often-misunderstood personality traits:

• Psychopathy: Often associated with a lack of remorse or empathy, superficial charm, impulsivity, and antisocial behaviour. In this context, it doesn’t necessarily mean criminal behaviour, but rather a callous disregard for the feelings and rights of others.
• Narcissism: Characterised by an inflated sense of self-importance, a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. Narcissists often believe they are special and entitled to preferential treatment.
• Machiavellianism: Named after Niccolò Machiavelli, this trait involves a manipulative and strategic approach to social interactions. Individuals high in Machiavellianism are often cynical, pragmatic, and willing to exploit others to achieve their goals.
• Sadism: Going beyond simply lacking empathy, sadism involves deriving pleasure or satisfaction from the suffering or humiliation of others. This can range from subtle enjoyment of others’ misfortunes to more overt cruel behaviour.

It’s Not Just a “Man’s World” of Darkness:

For a long time, discussions around dark personalities have often been implicitly, and sometimes explicitly, linked to men. However, research is increasingly challenging this gendered assumption. Ava Green from City St George’s, University of London, emphasises that women are equally present within this statistic, expressing these dark traits in ways that are often unique to their gender.

This is a crucial point. Green’s research highlights that while the core dark personality traits might be present in both men and women, their expression can differ significantly due to societal expectations and gender roles. For instance, women may be more likely to express Machiavellianism through subtle social manipulation and emotional tactics, rather than overt power grabs often associated with men. Narcissism in women might manifest as a relentless pursuit of social validation and admiration through appearance and relationships, while sadism could be expressed through relational aggression and emotional torment.

Why Does This Matter?

Understanding the prevalence and nuances of dark personalities has significant implications for various aspects of our lives:

• Workplace Dynamics: Recognising these traits can help explain toxic workplace environments, power struggles, and manipulative colleagues. Being aware can equip individuals to better navigate these challenging situations and protect themselves.
• Relationships: In personal relationships, understanding dark personality traits can help us identify potentially harmful patterns. It can explain why some individuals are consistently manipulative, emotionally unavailable, or even cruel.
• Society as a Whole: A broader awareness of these traits can contribute to a more nuanced understanding of social issues, from political manipulation to online harassment.

Fallen Angels

Interestingly, the study’s findings have sparked a fascinating connection to ancient folklore. The figure of one-third, representing the percentage of individuals exhibiting dark personality traits, echoes a recurring theme in religious texts and mythology. Scripture, for example, recounts the story of one-third of the angels falling from grace, becoming demons.

While the connection might seem purely speculative, it raises intriguing questions. Could ancient narratives, passed down through generations, have been intuitive observations of human behaviour, capturing a truth about the prevalence of “dark” traits long before scientific methodology was in place?

Awareness, Not Alarm:

It’s important to stress that identifying dark personality traits is necessary to heighten awareness and understanding. Knowing that these traits exist, and are more common than many realise, can empower us to:

• Be more discerning in our interactions: We can learn to recognise potential red flags and set healthier boundaries.
• Develop empathy for ourselves: If you’ve been in a relationship (professional or personal) with someone exhibiting dark personality traits, understanding this dynamic can be validating and help you process your experiences.
• Promote healthier social environments: By acknowledging the “shadow side” of personality, we can work towards creating more ethical and compassionate communities.

The research by Somma and Green offers a more realistic, albeit challenging, view of humanity. By acknowledging the presence of dark personality traits within our society, we can move towards a more informed understanding of human behaviour. The shadow selves exist among us, and understanding them is the first step towards protecting ourselves as we navigate the complexities of human interaction in our day to day lives.