health
March 10, 2026
‘Charismatic and extremely confident’: how to recognise
Psychologist Leanne ten Brinke has spent decades studying toxic personality traits. What are the red flags to look out for among workmates, politicians and potential partners?
TL;DR
- Dark personality traits such as psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism are prevalent in various life contexts, not just criminal ones.
- These traits exist on a continuum, with elevated levels causing disproportionate harm, and can be influenced by both nature and nurture.
- While adult personality is resistant to change, behavior can be managed through strategies like setting clear boundaries and rewarding positive actions.
- Recognizing "dark personalities" can help in making informed choices in personal and professional relationships.
- Key indicators include excessive confidence mistaken for competence, manipulative behavior, lack of empathy, impulsivity, and a tendency to demean others.
- Dealing with individuals with dark traits requires a harm-reduction mindset, focusing on managing interactions rather than changing their core personality.
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