9 Unmistakable Traits of a Person Who is Truly ‘Evil’

We all have a dark side, but some people’s shadows loom larger than others. Psychologists have identified nine key traits that make up the “dark core” of personality. These characteristics, when present in excess, can lead to manipulative, callous, and even dangerous behavior.¹

From the depths of human nature emerge these unsettling qualities that shape how some individuals navigate the world and interact with others. Here are nine traits that define a dark personality

1. Egoism

At its core, egoism is an excessive focus on self-interest, often at the expense of others.

Those high in this trait prioritize their own needs and desires above all else, viewing the world through a lens of personal gain. This self-centered outlook can manifest in various ways, from minor acts of selfishness to more extreme forms of exploitation.

Individuals with high levels of egoism tend to struggle with empathy and maintaining healthy relationships. They were also more likely to engage in unethical behavior in both personal and professional settings.

This trait can be particularly damaging in leadership roles, where the ability to consider others’ perspectives is crucial.

2. Machiavellianism

Named after the infamous Italian philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli, this trait embodies cunning, manipulation, and a willingness to deceive for personal gain.

Those high in Machiavellianism view others as pawns to be maneuvered in their grand schemes. They excel at strategic thinking and are often skilled at navigating complex social situations to their advantage.

Machiavellian individuals tend to be more successful in short-term negotiations but struggle with long-term relationships. Machiavellianism is positively correlated with workplace deviance and negatively associated with job satisfaction.

This trait can be particularly problematic in team environments, where trust and cooperation are essential for success.

3. Moral Disengagement

Moral disengagement involves the ability to rationalize unethical behavior and distance oneself from the consequences of one’s actions. Individuals high in this trait often employ cognitive strategies to justify harmful behavior, such as blaming the victim or minimizing the impact of their actions.

This psychological mechanism allows them to engage in morally questionable acts without experiencing guilt or remorse. Moral disengagement is a significant predictor of antisocial behavior and aggression.

Those who scored high on measures of moral disengagement were more likely to engage in cyberbullying and other forms of online aggression. This trait can be particularly dangerous in positions of power, where the ability to make ethical decisions is crucial.

4. Narcissism

Narcissism is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance, a deep need for admiration, and a lack of empathy for others. Those high in narcissism often exhibit grandiose behavior, a sense of entitlement, and a preoccupation with fantasies of unlimited success or power.

While a healthy level of self-esteem is beneficial, excessive narcissism can lead to interpersonal problems and a distorted view of reality. Narcissism is associated with various negative outcomes, including relationship difficulties and workplace problems.

Narcissistic individuals experience a decline in life satisfaction and an increase in depressive symptoms over time. This trait can be particularly challenging in romantic relationships, where mutual understanding and compromise are essential.

5. Psychological Entitlement

Psychological entitlement refers to the belief that one deserves special treatment or privileges without necessarily earning them.

Individuals high in this trait often have unrealistic expectations of others and may become angry or resentful when their demands are not met. This sense of entitlement can lead to difficulties in both personal and professional relationships.

Psychological entitlement is associated with various negative outcomes, including academic dishonesty and workplace incivility. Entitled people were more likely to engage in unethical behavior when faced with moral dilemmas.

This trait can be particularly problematic in team settings, where cooperation and mutual respect are crucial for success.

6. Psychopathy

Psychopathy is perhaps the most infamous of the dark personality traits, characterized by a lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a tendency towards antisocial behavior.

Those high in psychopathy often exhibit superficial charm and a fearless disposition, but beneath the surface lies a callous disregard for others’ feelings and well-being.

This trait is often associated with criminal behavior, but it can also manifest in more subtle ways in everyday life.

Psychopathy is linked to various negative outcomes, including increased risk-taking behavior and difficulties in maintaining long-term relationships. It’s a strong predictor of both general and violent recidivism among offenders.

In non-criminal populations, this trait can lead to difficulties in forming genuine emotional connections and a tendency to exploit others for personal gain.

7. Sadism

Sadism involves deriving pleasure from inflicting physical or emotional pain on others.

While often associated with extreme forms of violence, everyday sadism can manifest in more subtle ways, such as enjoying others’ misfortunes or taking pleasure in humiliating or embarrassing others. This trait is particularly concerning due to its potential for causing direct harm to others.

Sadistic tendencies are associated with various forms of aggressive and antisocial behavior. Those high in everyday sadism were more likely to engage in cyberbullying and trolling behavior online.

This trait can be particularly dangerous in positions of authority, where the power to inflict harm on others may be more readily available.

8. Self-Interest

While similar to egoism, self-interest focuses more specifically on the pursuit of personal advantages, often at the expense of collective well-being.

Individuals high in this trait tend to prioritize their own goals and desires above those of others, even when doing so may harm the greater good. This single-minded focus on personal gain can lead to a variety of interpersonal and societal problems.

Excessive self-interest is associated with decreased prosocial behavior and increased unethical decision-making. Self-interested individuals were less likely to engage in charitable giving and volunteering.

This trait can be particularly problematic in leadership roles, where the ability to balance personal and collective interests is crucial for effective governance.

9. Spitefulness

Spitefulness involves the willingness to harm others, even at a cost to oneself, out of a desire for revenge or to assert dominance.

This trait is characterized by a tendency to hold grudges and a willingness to engage in retaliatory behavior, even when doing so may be self-destructive. Spiteful individuals often prioritize “getting even” over more constructive problem-solving approaches.

Spitefulness is associated with various negative outcomes, including decreased life satisfaction and increased interpersonal conflict. Spiteful individuals were more likely to engage in counterproductive work behaviors and experience difficulties in maintaining positive relationships.

This trait can be particularly damaging in conflict resolution scenarios, where the ability to forgive and move forward is essential for progress.

Understanding the dark core of personality sheds light on the complexities of human nature. These nine traits reveal the shadowy aspects that can lurk within us all.

While these characteristics exist on a spectrum, recognizing their presence in ourselves and others can lead to greater self-awareness and improved interpersonal relationships.

Source:

1. Scientific American