The good, the bad, and the ugly: Revisiting the Dark Core

The aim of this research (N = 268) was to explore several compelling candidates for the Dark Core of the broader set of dark and light traits by using network analysis and analyses of shared variance. Several previously proposed cores were tested: primary psychopathy, narcissistic rivalry, Honesty-Humility, Aggressiveness, Selfishness, Antagonism and its callousness facet as well as emotional competency, including its emotionality facet as negative aspect of callousness. The results showed that central elements in this network are primary psychopathy, callousness, pathological selfishness, Machiavellianism, and narcissistic rivalry. Furthermore, among basic traits, Antagonism shared the highest percentage with the dark traits, especially its facet callousness, which is the best candidate for the Dark Core. The combination of callousness, deceitfulness, and grandiosity shared 92% of the total common variance with dark traits and it could be seen as the Antagonistic Triad or alternative Dark Triad.

Automated summary

This research aimed to explore several strong candidates for the Dark Core of dark and light traits by using network analysis and shared variance analysis. The results revealed that primary psychopathy, callousness, pathological selfishness, Machiavellianism, and narcissistic rivalry were central elements in this network. Additionally, Antagonism shared the highest percentage with the dark traits, especially its facet callousness, which is considered the best candidate for the Dark Core. The combination of callousness, deceitfulness, and grandiosity shared the majority of the common variance with dark traits and could be seen as the Antagonistic Triad or an alternative Dark Triad.