Assessing Dark Tetrad traits: a COSMIN systematic review of measurement instruments available

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2 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Multiple instruments are available for assessing dark personalities, creating the problem of selection for researchers. This COSMIN (COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement Instruments) review systematically interprets 59 manuscripts pertaining to the original development of 64 instruments. The psychometric qualities of each dark measure were appraised by applying COSMIN ratings of quality to the development studies and sufficiency ratings to the psychometric evidence on measurement outcomes. Measures with higher COSMIN ratings are recommended over measures with lower ratings. Stronger appraisals indicate that original evidence demonstrated higher psychometric quality against COSMIN, reflecting greater confidence in measurement outcomes. Multidimensional measures with the strongest appraisals were: The Five Factor Antagonistic Triad Measure for the Dark Triad; the Five Factor Narcissism Inventory and Pathological Narcissism Inventory, including brief versions for narcissism; the Comprehensive Assessment of Sadistic Tendencies for sadism; the Machiavellian Personality Scale and Five Factor Machiavellianism Inventory for Machiavellianism; and the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale Fourth Version for psychopathy. Moderate appraisals indicate instruments with promise, which could be selected for further psychometric testing. We encourage faceted assessment of dark personalities in future, to increase understandings of the shared versus distinct aspects of the traits and strengthen specificity in the prediction of outcomes.

Original languageEnglish
Article number112431
Number of pages22
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Volume217
Early online date01 Nov 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Feb 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023

Keywords

  • Dark personalities
  • Dark Tetrad
  • Dark Triad
  • Instruments
  • Measurement
  • Psychometrics
  • Scales

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Psychology

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