A recent study has found that social isolation, particularly during adolescence, may trigger the emergence of traits commonly referred to as the “dark triad” – namely, Machiavellianism (manipulative behaviour), psychopathy, and narcissism, according to an article published in the Journal of Personality.
The two‑year experiment involved nearly 300 teenagers, aged between 15 and 18, living in Jingzhou, China. Participants completed detailed questionnaires about their experiences of being ignored or dismissed by others, the degree of loneliness they felt, and their propensity to exhibit traits associated with the dark triad. Analysis of the data confirmed that social rejection contributes to the development of these detrimental character traits. In particular, Machiavellian tendencies were found to arise from early experiences of social exclusion, while psychopathic traits were more closely linked to feelings of isolation. Although elevated self‑esteem or narcissism also seemed to stem from early loneliness, this association did not persist over time.
Researchers emphasise that the findings provide deeper insights into the mechanisms underlying personality development, and may be instrumental in preventing maladaptive growth among adolescents.
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