Dark Factor (D-Factor) of Personality Theory

Dark (D) factor of personality Theory, developed by Danish psychologists led by Morten Moshagen, suggests that overlapping malevolent traits (socially and morally) share a common dark core. No matter the specific trait, “dark” personalities share an expression of the same dispositional tendency. If they have one trait, they tend to have one or more of the others. The D-factor mostly shows up as narcissism or psychopathy, indicating how likely a person is to engage in behavior associated with one or more of these dark traits. Someone with a higher D-factor who wants to humiliate others has a higher likelihood to engage in other malevolent activities, like lying, cheating, or stealing. Also see Utility/Disutility. Recent theory distinguishes nine dark traits:

• Egoism is an excessive preoccupation with self’s advantage at the expense of others/community.
• Machiavellianism is a manipulative, callous attitude and a belief that the ends justify the means.
• Moral disengagement allows one to behave unethically without feeling distress.
• Narcissism is excessive self-absorption, sense of superiority, and extreme need for attention.
• Entitlement is a recurring belief that self is better than others and deserves better treatment.
• Psychopathy is a lack of empathy and self-control, combined with impulsive behavior.
• Sadism is a desire to inflict mental/physical harm on others for one’s own pleasure or benefit.
• Toxic self-interest is a desire to further and promote self’s social and financial status.
• Spitefulness is being destructive and willing to harm others, even if they harm themself.