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TL;DR: A 2025 study in Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy linked higher Dark Triad traits, a personality cluster covering psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism, with more aggressive relationship expectations and greater self-reported sexual coercion in a…
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Sadism refers to deriving pleasure from inflicting physical or emotional pain on others. A new review illuminates the personality traits that relate to higher levels of sadism. Key Facts: Sadism is linked to “dark personality traits” like psychopathy, narcissi…
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People with pathological narcissism are known for their grandiose, arrogant behavior and sense of entitlement. However, beneath the surface lies a vulnerable inner world rife with insecurity, emptiness, and dysregulated emotions, according to a new qualitative…
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Narcissism is characterized by self-importance, entitlement, and interpersonal difficulties. Neuroscience research has begun to uncover the complex mechanisms underlying the paradoxical patterns of narcissistic functioning. Key findings show: Narcissism involv…
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A new brain imaging study has uncovered structural differences in the white matter of young men diagnosed with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD). These differences provide clues into the neural correlates underlying the grandiose sense of self and lack o…
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A new neuroimaging study has uncovered associations between subclinical narcissistic traits and regional grey matter volumes in the brain, specifically in the insular cortex and multiple prefrontal regions. The research, conducted by scientists at the Universi…
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A new study investigates how certain “dark triad” personality traits relate to people’s happiness and life satisfaction. Key Findings: Narcissism has multiple dimensions – some linked to higher well-being, others to lower. Psychopathy overall relates to lower…
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Researchers have found that more intelligent narcissists are less likely to exhibit rivalry and aggression. This suggests higher intelligence may help mitigate some of the negative interpersonal behaviors associated with narcissism. Key Facts: Narcissism has t…
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