Every person has a dark side, whether they admit it or not. You might not act on every selfish or manipulative thought, but the tendencies are there.
Psychologists have long studied what makes people narcissistic, deceitful, or even outright cruel.
But what if all these traits stem from the same hidden force?
Scientists have now identified a single underlying factor that connects the darkest aspects of human nature. They call it the “D Factor”—the Dark Factor of Personality.
This discovery could change the way we understand manipulative behavior, crime, and even everyday selfishness. If you’ve ever wondered why some people consistently lie, cheat, or exploit others, the answer may be simpler than you think.
Going Beyond the Dark Triad
For years, psychologists categorized the worst human traits under the “Dark Triad”:
- Psychopathy (lack of empathy, impulsiveness, and antisocial tendencies)
- Narcissism (excessive self-importance and entitlement)
- Machiavellianism (deception, manipulation, and lack of morality)
However, researchers found that these three traits don’t exist in isolation. In fact, they overlap significantly with other negative traits like egoism, sadism, spitefulness, and moral disengagement.
In 2018, a team of psychologists from Germany and Denmark proposed that all dark personality traits share a common core—a single underlying dispositional tendency that drives harmful behaviors.
The Birth of the “D Factor”
Led by psychologist Ingo Zettler from the University of Copenhagen, the research team conducted four separate studies involving over 2,500 participants.
Participants answered statements like:
- “I’ll say anything to get what I want.”
- “Hurting people would be exciting.”
- “It is hard to get ahead without cutting corners.”
- “I know that I am special because everyone keeps telling me so.”
Researchers analyzed the responses using statistical methods. The results were clear: all these dark traits were interconnected, forming a single factor—D.
A Radical Shift in Perspective
We often assume that different types of bad behavior come from different personality types. A narcissist is different from a sadist. A manipulator is different from a psychopath.
But what if they aren’t?
Zettler and his team argue that the D Factor is the true source of all malevolent behavior.
A person with a high D Factor may express it in different ways—some may be narcissists, others may be Machiavellian strategists, and some may simply enjoy hurting people.
But at their core, they all share one thing: a willingness to put their own desires above everyone else, even if it causes harm.
How the D Factor Shows Up in Real Life
This discovery isn’t just theoretical. It has real-world implications.
We see it in:
- Corporate fraud (leaders who manipulate for profit)
- Political corruption (public figures who deceive for personal gain)
- Violent crime (individuals who lack remorse for harm done to others)
- Everyday selfishness (people who lie, cheat, and manipulate in relationships and workplaces)
Can the D Factor Be Measured?
Yes. The researchers developed a test to measure a person’s D Factor score. If someone scores high, they are more likely to engage in dark behaviors across different areas of life.
Why does this matter? Because knowing a person’s D score could help predict their future actions.
- A high D score? That person is more likely to lie, cheat, or exploit others.
- A low D score? They tend to be more ethical, empathetic, and fair.
This could help in hiring decisions, criminal assessments, and even personal relationships.
What This Means for Psychology and Society
This groundbreaking research could reshape our understanding of human nature.
Instead of treating selfishness, cruelty, and manipulation as separate issues, we now know they come from a single source.
More importantly, it means that people who show one dark trait are more likely to display others. Someone who is willing to lie in one situation may be willing to steal, manipulate, or deceive in another.
Psychologists believe this knowledge could improve therapy, crime prevention, and even leadership selection.
Final Thoughts: Can the Dark Side Be Controlled?
If we all have a D Factor to some extent, is there hope for change?
The researchers suggest that while some people may be naturally inclined toward dark traits, environment, upbringing, and self-awareness can play a role in shaping behavior.
Recognizing these tendencies is the first step toward reducing harmful behavior in society.
So, the next time you encounter someone who seems excessively manipulative, self-absorbed, or cruel, remember: their actions may not be random. They may simply have a high D Factor.
References
- Zettler, I., et al. (2018). “The Dark Factor of Personality.” Psychological Review.
- Spearman, C. (1904). “General Intelligence: Objectively Determined and Measured.” The American Journal of Psychology.
- University of Copenhagen. “The Core of Human Malevolence: The D Factor.” Press Release, 2018.
