The Dark Core of Personality

• Those who score high on the D-factor aren't always uncooperative, as they can be very strategic in choosing when to cooperate.
• Those scoring high on the D-factor will not be motivated to help others in need without it benefiting themselves.

• Egoism. Excessive concern with one's own advantage at the expense of the wellbeing of others.
• Machiavellianism. A callous person that's so focused on their own interests that they will manipulate and deceive to get what they want.
• Moral Disengagement. Behaving as if ethical standards don't apply to oneself.
• Narcissism. All-consuming desire for ego reinforcement.
• Psychological Entitlement. Thinking that one is entitled to more than others are.
• Psychopathy. Display a lack of self-control, is callous, and impulsive.
• Sadism. Intentionally causing physical, sexual, or psychological pain on others to assert dominance or for enjoyment.
• Self-interest. Chasing after socially valued domains, including material goods, social status, recognition, academic or occupational achievement.
• Spitefulness. Doing something that will harm others even though it means harm to oneself. It could be social, financial, physical, or an inconvenience.

The more you agree with multiple items on this scale, the higher the likelihood you would score high on the D-factor. If you are strong on just one item, you probably will not score high on the D-factor:

1. It is hard to get ahead without cutting corners here and there.
2. I like to use clever manipulation to get my way.
3. People who get mistreated have usually done something to bring it on themselves.
4. I know that I am special because everyone keeps telling me so.
5. I honestly feel I deserve more than others.
6. I'll say anything to get what I want.
7. Hurting people would be exciting.
8. I try to make sure others know about my successes.
9. It is sometimes worth a little suffering on my part to see others receive the punishment they deserve.