Dark Triad vs. Big Five and HEXACO: How Do They Relate?
How the dark traits fit into the major models of personality.
The Dark Triad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) describes socially aversive traits. The Big Five and HEXACO are comprehensive models of normal personality. Research shows how the two connect.
lower higher
lower higher
lower higher
Direction of typical associations (not exact values). Based on Paulhus & Williams (2002) and SD3 research.
The Big Five in brief
The Big Five cover five broad dimensions: openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. They are considered the established standard model of personality psychology.
The link: low agreeableness
All three Dark Triad traits relate above all to low agreeableness — the common denominator of coldness, distrust, and willingness to use others. Machiavellianism and psychopathy additionally show low conscientiousness.
HEXACO and the Honesty-Humility factor
The HEXACO model adds a sixth dimension: Honesty-Humility. A composite Dark Triad score correlates strongly and negatively with it (about r = −0.65). Many researchers see this — alongside callousness (low empathy) — as the common core of the three traits.
In short: the Dark Triad is not a separate system but sits at the dark end of well-known personality dimensions.
Important
This article explains personality traits for information and self-reflection. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace psychological or medical advice.
Learn moreFrequently asked
Is the Dark Triad part of the Big Five?
Not directly, but it can be located within them: mainly as very low agreeableness (and low conscientiousness for Machiavellianism/psychopathy).
What is Honesty-Humility?
The sixth dimension in the HEXACO model. A composite Dark Triad score correlates strongly and negatively with it.
What is the common core of the Dark Triad?
Most often cited are callousness (low empathy) and low Honesty-Humility or low agreeableness.
Where do you land?
Take the darkquiz test and find your Dark Triad type in a few minutes.
Take the testMore articles
Narcissism: Signs, Examples and How It Shows in Everyday Life
How to spot pronounced narcissism — and where healthy confidence ends.
Vulnerable vs. Grandiose Narcissism: the Difference
Two faces of the same trait — loud and confident, or quiet and easily hurt.
Machiavellianism in Everyday Life: at Work and in Relationships
Strategic, coolly calculated thinking — how it shows up at work and in relationships.
Empath vs. Narcissist: Attraction, Dynamics and Healthy Boundaries
Why highly empathic and highly narcissistic people often attract — and how to find balance.
Sources
- Paulhus & Williams (2002), Journal of Research in Personality, 36, 556–563
- Jones & Paulhus (2014), Short Dark Triad (SD3), Assessment, 21(1), 28–41
- Lee & Ashton (2005), Dark Triad in the HEXACO model, Personality and Individual Differences, 38, 1571–1582
- Dark Triad — Wikipedia (overview & further references)