Content Warning: The source material includes references to suicide, sexual assault, domestic violence, and incest.

Dark psychology studies human behavior and how and why people use manipulation, persuasion, and other psychological strategies to impact behavior or decisions. These strategies include deception, exploitation, and coercion.

The Dark Triad, a theory created in 2002 by psychologists Delroy Paulhus and Kevin Williams, outlines three personality traits important to dark psychology: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Narcissism involves exaggerated self-importance, an extreme need for admiration, and an absence of empathy (Sam, N. “Dark Psychology.” Psychology Dictionary). Machiavellianism appears in people who are detached and ignore social norms. It involves manipulation, deception, cynicism, astute understanding of interpersonal behavior, and exploitation of others. Psychopathy entails resistance societal rules and norms, an absence of empathy, bold actions, and a lack of inhibition.

Dark psychology offers methods those with Dark Triad traits might utilize to exploit another person and their weaknesses, such as emotional and psychological manipulation, gaslighting, victimization, and pretending to be innocent or unaware. These individuals also use their narcissism to appear superior and control others. Because those with Dark Triad traits lack empathy or a sense of morality, they do not feel remorse.