In 1998, a group of researchers in the name of John W. McHoskey, William Worzel, and Christopher Szyarto proposed the idea that narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism are indistinguishable in a normal setup, this argument causes the rise of a new dispute in the world of psychology. As a reply to the said statement, in 2002, Delroy L. Paulhus and Kevin M. Williams conducted a study at the University of British Columbia to identify why and how these traits overlap. There, they found out that these traits were indeed distinct from one another. From this, due to public interest, numerous research concerning the dark triad theory emerges, this includes the light triad of personality.
Influenced by the concept of the dark triad personalities, in 2019, humanistic psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman proposes the idea of the light triad of personality virtues which emphasizes the seemingly opposite concept. On his idea, the light triad is the set of characters focused on good relations with others.
The amalgamation of infamous qualities
Dark triad, as sinister as it sounds, is the combination of overlapping yet distinct malevolent traits; namely subclinical narcissism, subclinical psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. With such, people who have this kind of personality are notoriously identified to be self-centered, prideful, manipulative, nefarious, insensitive, and remorseless. Leaving them with the high tendency to be toxic in a relationship, detrimental to an organization, and to carry out misdemeanor.
Elements of Dark Triad
Subclinical narcissism - Is a mental state in which the person thinks he/she is entitled and superior. Following this, a person who has this kind of trait displays a strong desire in acquiring attention and admiration.
Machiavellianism - Based on the political philosophy started by Niccolo Machiavelli, Machiavellianism is a personality trait known for its manipulative, selfish, and immoral nature. With such, individuals of this trait tend to manipulate, deceive and exploit other people just for their benefit.
Subclinical Psychopathy - Considered as the most hostile of the dark triad, psychopathy is a condition known for exhibiting a low level of empathy but is related to impulsivity and recklessness. Commonly, this trait leads to anti-social and criminal behavior.
Light Triad
The alliance of saintly characters
Recognized as the contrasting analogy of the dark triad, the light triad or bright triad is the set of seemingly humane and honorable traits; specifically humanism, faith in humanity, and Kantianism. With such, people who have this kind of personality are fabled for their altruistic, agreeable, compassionate, ingenuous, and empathetic nature. These dispositions make them good at interacting with others but somehow lack assertiveness.
Elements of Light Triad
Humanism - Is a philosophy that values other people’s dignity and self-worth. In accordance, this belief embraces the equality of innate dignity of all human beings and the concern for human relationships.
Kantianism - Based on the principles proposed by Immanuel Kant, Kantianism is said to be in contrast with Machiavellianism as it disagrees with using other people for one’s good. As for this belief, one should act the same way he treats others.
Faith in Humanity - This is a personal standpoint in which one always looks at the bright sides of every adversity in society, believing that people are fundamentally good.
Note(s):
Subclinical means that a person may exhibit a trait of a narcissist or a psychopath but is less severe that it cannot be diagnosed as a disorder.
Reference(s):
Andrews, K. (2019, May 18). The Dark Triad Sums Up Psychopaths, But The Light Triad Defines Saints. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/news/science/2019-05-16/psychopaths-narcissm-the-dark-triad-fascinate-us-the-light-triad/11093104
Kaufman, S. B. (2019, March 19). The Light Triad vs. Dark Triad of Personality: New research contrasts two very different profiles of human nature. Retrieved from https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/beautiful-minds/the-light-triad-vs-dark-triad-of-personality/
Mind Tools. (2019). Understanding the Dark Triad: Managing "Dark" Personality Traits. Retrieved from https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/understanding-dark-triad.htm
Psych2Go. (2020, July 17). The Dark Triad... What is it? [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvJDkPKbaLE
Psychology Today. (2018, December 10). Beware of the Malevolent Dark Triad. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/201812/beware-the-malevolent-dark-triad
Wikipedia. (2021, February 5). Dark Triad. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dark_triad
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