Screening for Dark Personalities

Abstract. Consensus is emerging that the constellation of dark personalities should include sadistic personality. To build a four-factor measure, we modified and extended Short Dark Triad (SD3) measure to sadism. A series three studies yielded Tetrad (SD4), four subscale inventory with 7 items per construct. Study 1 ( N = 868) applied exploratory factor analysis (EFA) diverse 48-item pool using data collected on MTurk. 4-factor solution revealed separate sadism factor, as well shifted Triad. 2 999 students) EFA reduced 37-item set. Associations adjustment sex drive provided insight into unique personality dynamics constructs. In 3 660), confirmatory (CFA) final 28 showed acceptable fit for solution. Moreover, resulting 7-item subscales each coherent links Big Five adjustment. sum, structure replicated across student community samples. Although they overlap moderate degree, show distinctive correlates – even control acquiescence. We also uncovered novel link between sexuality, but no association maladjustment.