A Stable Dark Core of Personality Has Been Identified by Researchers

Exploring the D-Factor

According to НВ — Техно: July 9, 12:00 PM

Back in 2018, a team of researchers from Germany and Denmark introduced the concept of the D-factor-a dark core of personality. Through a series of studies involving more than 2,500 participants, they uncovered connections among nine negative personality traits. The findings showed that the D-factor is a more stable indicator than individual traits alone, and its level can significantly influence career choices. People with a high D-factor are less likely to pursue jobs that involve caring for others.

The studies assessed nine negative traits, which include:

• egoism
• narcissism
• psychopathy
• sadism
• Machiavellianism
• moral irresponsibility
• sense of entitlement
• excessive self-interest
• a tendency to act maliciously toward others

In 2021, scientists conducted observational research on over 1,200 adults, allowing for a deeper exploration of this topic.

A more recent study, involving more than 8,000 people across Germany, the United States, and Denmark, confirmed that D-factor levels vary between societies and are shaped by social conditions. As researcher Ingo Zettler noted,

'In different individuals, this factor can manifest in different ways: primarily as narcissism, psychopathy, or another dark trait, or as a combination of them.'

These findings open new avenues for understanding personality traits and their impact on behavior in society.

Grasping the D-factor and its influence on behavior could have important implications for psychological and educational practice, especially in career selection and the formation of social interactions. This knowledge may help scientists and practitioners better predict and manage the social dynamics that arise across different societies.

Understanding the D-factor provides valuable insights into personality and behavior, particularly in the context of career choices. Similarly, recent research highlights a unique personality trait common among centenarians that may contribute to their longevity. Exploring this characteristic shared by those who live over a century could further illuminate the intricate relationship between personality traits and life outcomes.