The Dark Tetrad: Key Traits and Possibility of Change

What the dark tetrad includes

The dark tetrad consists of four personality traits:

• Psychopathy: Superficial charm, grandiosity, impulsiveness, little remorse, avoidance of responsibility, and frequent rule-breaking.
• Machiavellianism: Cynicism, deception, and strategic manipulation of others.
• Narcissism: Entitlement, relentless self-focus, and willingness to exploit people to get what one believes one deserves.
• Sadism: Taking pleasure in others’ pain, from deliberately upsetting people online to more severe forms of harm.

These traits share three core features: callousness, manipulativeness, and hostility.

Can these traits be hidden?

Yes. People with these traits may appear normal or even charming on the surface, while concealing how they treat and regard others.

Can they change?

Some change is possible, though it may be difficult:

• For people with psychopathic traits involved in criminal behavior, consistent cognitive behavioral therapy may reduce the likelihood of reoffending. Motivation and concern for others can be obstacles.
• For people with lower levels of these traits, practicing small acts of kindness—such as complimenting a friend or helping someone—was associated with lower trait levels after four months among participants who followed through.

The video suggests change is possible, but the evidence and prospects differ depending on the severity of the traits.