The Dark Factor of Personality: A Test That Can Tell If You Are in a Relationship with a Narcissist

In our world, a lot of people have been part of a toxic or dysfunctional relationship at least once in their lifetime, but being in a relationship with someone who is narcissistic or possesses a couple of dark traits is another kind of sorrow and pain.

NB: You can take the Dark Factor of Personality test right Here!

Narcissus

Narcissus

If you are involved with someone who exhibits any or some of these dark traits, you might always feel gaslighted or in doubt of yourself. Recognizing these signs can be a bit difficult, especially when you are deeply invested in the relationship.

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These signs are easy to overlook because they’re always charming, charismatic, and good at pulling people in. Most of the time, you don’t even get to realize that you’re dating a complete psychopath until after the relationship ends. They are manipulative and will make you doubt yourself. The worst part is that they feel no remorse whatsoever.

People with dark traits tend to exhibit any of these; psychopathy, egotism, narcissism, spitefulness, self-interest, sadism, machiavellianism, psychological entitlement, and moral disengagement. If your partner constantly makes you feel unloved and insecure, they might have high levels of these traits.

Particularly, scientists refer to three of them (psychopathy, narcissism, and machiavellianism) as the dark triad. A combination of these three traits in your partner brings about a kind of toxicity that can cause you to lose your mind.

Signs that will help you recognize that your partner has dark traits

You might not be able to tell early enough because they always have a way of flattery and making people feel “special”. While there is no definitive test for dark personality traits, there are signs that can offer insight into your partner’s character.

  1. Manipulativeness: People with dark personality traits are often skilled manipulators who use deception, charm, and manipulation to achieve their goals. Pay attention to whether your partner frequently uses manipulation tactics to control or influence you and others.
  2. Lack of Empathy: They often exhibit a profound lack of empathy for others’ feelings and suffering. Your partner may show little concern for the impact of their actions on you or others and may dismiss or invalidate your emotions.
  3. Exploitative Behavior: They may exploit others for personal gain without guilt or remorse. They may take advantage of your kindness, resources, or vulnerabilities for their benefit.
  4. Grandiosity: Similar to narcissism, individuals with dark traits may possess an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement. They may believe they are superior to others and that they are deserving of special treatment or privileges.
  5. Impulsivity and Risk-Taking: Dark personalities often exhibit impulsivity and engage in risky or reckless behaviors without considering the consequences. Your partner may engage in activities such as substance abuse, promiscuity, or illegal behavior.
  6. Callousness: They may also display a callous disregard for the well-being of others. They may exhibit cruelty, indifference, or even enjoyment in causing harm or suffering to others.
  7. Deceitfulness: Individuals with dark traits often engage in deceitful behavior to manipulate others and conceal their true intentions. Your partner may lie, manipulate, or withhold information to maintain control over you or the relationship.

The Dark Factor of Personality Test

Scientists have proposed that “the dark factor of personality”, also known as D, underpins and is at the center of all dark personality traits.

The D test is an objective way of assessing the D level in a person. It is an online multilingual psychological assessment tool that is available on darkfactor.org. The test offers a theoretical background for understanding dark traits and aversive personality. Everything is summed up in a D score, which gives an idea of how “dark” a person is.

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The test consists of a structured set of questions that cover the various attributes of dark traits. The answers are also measured as strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, and strongly agree. The score can either be measured on a scale of 0 to 5 or 0% to 100%. The higher the score, the darker the person is. This will enable you to objectively measure your partner’s level of darkness.

This test not only can help you decide on whether to leave or stay in your current toxic relationship it can also help you look out for these dark traits in all your future interactions.

Working towards one’s goals is a vital part of utility, however, people with a high D score tend to prevent their partners and everyone around them from achieving their goals. More so, they may even get satisfaction from hurting the ones they claim they love. This causes an increase in their utility and a decrease in the utility of their partners.

Also, people with a high D score tend to strongly believe that whatever malevolent behavior they possess or carry out is right. They tend to have strong reasons that justify their actions leading to their partners being physically and emotionally drained. These harsh beliefs are the driving forces that maintain malevolent behaviors and make them resistant to change.

How to get your partner to agree to take the test

Getting your partner to take the test might be very difficult. However, it can be done by applying the right technique. Usually, persons with dark traits, especially narcissistic individuals like it when you fan their ego.

Make them know that there might be more to the D factor test than meets the eye. Its purpose goes beyond labeling individuals as “bad” or “good”. They will also be glad when you tell them it can reveal their strengths and throw more light on places they can work on.

Also, let them know that the D-factor test can show them how they can excel in the professional world. Certain traits associated with the dark triad, such as assertiveness and strategic thinking, can be seen as an added advantage in leadership roles or competitive environments. This can even turn them into the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates! By harnessing these traits ethically, they can leverage them to achieve success in their career!

Being in a relationship with someone who exhibits dark traits can be very exhausting. Detecting these traits usually requires observing and studying their interactions with other people. Approaching the situation with caution and awareness is very important. Keep in mind that individuals with dark traits may be skilled at masking their true nature and may initially present themselves as good people.

If you have concerns about your partner’s behavior, consider seeking support from a therapist or counselor who can help you navigate your relationship and explore your options moving forward. Remember to prioritize your well-being and establish healthy boundaries in your relationship.

NB: You can take the Dark Factor of Personality test right Here!

References

Kaufman, S. B. (2024, February 20). The Dark Core of Personality. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/blog/beautiful-minds/the-dark-core-of-personality/

Booth, S. (2024, March 30). Understanding the Dark Triad. Retrieved from https://www.health.com/condition/antisocial-personality-disorder/dark-triad

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