Brazilian researchers link "dark triad" personality traits to an everyday habit in women

Scientists at the University of São Paulo in Brazil conducted a large-scale study involving 1,410 women. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires designed to measure the extent to which they display so-called "dark triad" personality traits.

What the dark triad is

In psychology, this term refers to three interrelated personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy. These are associated with manipulative behaviour, excessive self-confidence and reduced empathy toward others. The researchers set out to measure these traits through survey methods in order to obtain reliable data from a relatively large sample.

An unexpected finding

After analysing the survey responses, the researchers concluded that there is a surprising link between these "dark" personality traits and a completely ordinary, seemingly harmless daily practice that many people engage in without ever connecting it to their personality.

The study's authors note that such findings could help improve understanding of how seemingly minor everyday habits may reflect deeper psychological traits, including those linked to manipulation or a lack of empathy. The University of São Paulo's work adds to a growing body of research that, in recent years, has tried to connect dark personality traits to observable everyday behaviour rather than relying solely on laboratory-based testing.