The Dark Triad: Machiavellianism, Narcissism & Psychopathy

News By Mar 15, 2025

Encountering someone who displays a combination of Machiavellian, narcissistic, and psychopathic behaviors can be a profoundly upsetting experience. They often leave people feeling exploited and emotionally violated, making it difficult to feel safe and trust again. Psychologists Delroy Paulhus and Kevin Williams identified this pattern as the ‘Dark Triad,’ which describes how these traits combine to form a tendency towards interpersonal exploitation and emotional detachment.1

Elements of these traits may exist on a spectrum within the general population. However, the simultaneous presence of all three—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—within a single individual is relatively rare.2 This article looks at how these traits work together, exploring the complex ways they interact when they combine.

Table of Contents

Machiavellianism: The Art of Calculated Manipulation

Machiavellianism - The Art of Calculated Manipulation | Dark Triad
The Machiavellian’s manipulation may serve as a defense against perceived vulnerability. It may be a way to establish a sense of power in an unpredictable world. Portrait of Niccolò Machiavelli by Santi di Tito. – Public Domain.

Machiavellianism, inspired by the Renaissance political philosopher Niccolò Machiavelli. It refers to a personality marked by strategic manipulation and a cynical outlook. Individuals high in this trait prioritize personal gain, often using deception and bending moral standards to achieve their aims.3 They see relationships as opportunities to exploit, viewing others as tools rather than equals. Machiavellianism isn’t an all-or-nothing trait; it exists on a spectrum. While it can sometimes be functional, this article focuses on its dysfunctional manifestations.4

Machiavellianism as a Defense Mechanism

Psychologically, Machiavellian behavior can be rooted in underlying insecurities and a desire for control.5 Manipulation serves as a defense mechanism against perceived vulnerability, creating a sense of power in an uncertain world. These individuals are skilled at interpreting social cues and adapting their actions, often using charm to conceal their true intentions. However, this social skill is used for strategic advantage, not genuine connection

The Impact of Machiavellianism

Machiavellian behavior can have a devastating impact. People with these traits often use subtle psychological manipulation, like gaslighting and coercion, to cultivate mistrust and fear.6 Those exposed to Machiavellian behavior are at a higher risk of mental health harm, including depression.7 The Machiavellian person’s disregard for ethics often leads to destructive outcomes, as they prioritize their own goals above the well-being of others.

Machiavellianism in the Workplace

Machiavellianism can manifest in various ways and contexts. It’s often present in competitive work environments.8 People with Machiavellian traits tend to climb the corporate ladder quickly. They form strategic alliances and creature a culture of fear and mistrust. The presence of Machiavellian colleagues frequently has a negative impact of organizational health.9

Understanding Machiavellianism is essential for navigating complex relationships, especially within the Dark Triad.10 It reveals how manipulation, narcissism, and psychopathy can combine to form a destructive force.

Dysfunctional Narcissism: The Fragile Grandeur of a False Self

Dysfunctional narcissism, a cornerstone of the Dark Triad, is fundamentally about the construction and maintenance of a false self.11 This false self is characterized by an inflated sense of self-importance and an insatiable need for admiration, masking a deep-seated vulnerability.12 People with dysfunctional narcissism exhibit grandiosity, believing themselves superior to others, and relentlessly seek external validation to sustain this constructed image.13

It’s important to note that narcissism exists on a spectrum, from healthy self-esteem to clinically diagnosed narcissistic personality disorder. This article focuses on dysfunctional narcissism.

Dysfunctional Narcissism as a Defense Mechanism

From a psychodynamic perspective, this false self is a defense mechanism against underlying feelings of inadequacy and shame.14 A narcissistic person’s grandiosity is not a reflection of genuine self-esteem, but rather a compensatory façade, a fragile attempt to protect against the perceived threat of exposure.15 The relentless pursuit of admiration serves to reinforce this false self, bolstering a precarious sense of identity that is fundamentally dependent on external stimulation.

Dysfunctional Narcissism and External Validation

Interpersonal relationships for narcissistic people are primarily instrumental in maintaining this false self. They seek out people who can provide affirmation and admiration, engaging in a dynamic of exploitation and emotional manipulation.16 In romantic relationships, this manifests as a cycle of idealization and devaluation, where partners are initially embraced as extensions of the narcissist’s grandiose image, only to be later discarded when they fail to meet the insatiable need for validation.17

Dysfunctional Narcissism in the Workplace

In professional settings, narcissistic people may ascend to leadership positions based on the compelling façade of confidence and vision projected by their false self.18 However, their low empathy and propensity to exploit others to protect this fragile construct inevitably create a toxic work environment, characterized by high turnover and low morale.19Understanding the subtle signs of this false self is essential for effectively navigating personal and professional relationships, and for grasping narcissism’s place within the Dark Triad.

Psychopathy: The Chilling Absence of Empathy

Dark Triad: Psychopathy - The Chilling Absence of Empathy

Psychopathy is the most severe of the Dark Triad traits. It is distinguished by fearless dominance and impulsive anti-social behaviors, and a profound lack of empathy and remorse.20 Because of these emotional deficits, individuals with psychopathic traits can engage in manipulative and harmful behaviors without experiencing guilt.21 Their emotional detachment enables them to perform acts that violate societal norms, all while maintaining a façade of calm composure. People high in psychopathic traits project charm and charisma to mask their underlying lack of emotional connection.22

From a psychodynamic perspective, this absence of empathy can be understood as a profound developmental failure, a disruption in the capacity for forming meaningful attachments.23 This core deficit drives the calculated and strategic planning, which extends beyond social manipulation. Unlike Machiavellians, who often rely on subtle influence, individuals with psychopathic traits may use more direct and extreme tactics, including deceit, fraud, and violence.24 Their propensity for risk-taking and thrill-seeking, driven by a diminished fear response and a lack of concern for consequences, makes them particularly dangerous.25

Although ‘psychopathy’ is common in research and popular discussion, clinicians mainly use the diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD). ASPD focuses on observable behaviors and childhood conduct disorder, whereas psychopathy encompasses a wider spectrum of personality traits.

Dark Triad Traits and Characteristics: A Complex Interplay

The Dark Triad represents a constellation of three distinct, yet interconnected personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy.26 While each trait possesses unique characteristics, their frequent overlap creates a complex web of interpersonal dynamics.27 Individuals displaying these traits often exhibit a blend of manipulation, grandiosity, and emotional detachment, rendering them adept at exploiting others for personal gain. Recognizing this interplay is essential for understanding its influence on both individual relationships and broader societal interactions.28

Machiavellians, driven by strategic self-interest, excel at manipulation and exploitation. Their ability to deceive and adapt, often stemming from underlying insecurities and a need for control, makes them formidable in various contexts.29 Narcissists, masking fragile self-esteem with grandiosity, crave admiration and validation. This constant need for external affirmation results in tumultuous relationships, characterized by cycles of idealization and devaluation. Psychopaths, marked by a profound lack of empathy, engage in harmful behaviors without remorse. This emotional deficit, rooted in potential developmental failures, can manifest in a spectrum of maladaptive actions, from subtle manipulations to severe criminal acts.30 Together, these traits form a spectrum of dark personality characteristics that exert a significant influence on personal and societal dynamics.

Dark Triad in Relationships and Workplaces: Toxic Dynamics

Dark Triad: Narcissism - The Fragile Grandeur of a False Self

The presence of Dark Triad traits in relationships fosters complex and often toxic dynamics.31 Let’s examine what they look like in personal relationships and in the workplace.

The Dark Triad in Personal Relationships

In personal relationships, people with these traits may engage in manipulation, emotional abuse, and deception, causing a great deal of emotional distress. Machiavellians exploit vulnerabilities, narcissists oscillate between adoration and disdain, and psychopaths engage in overtly harmful behaviors, driven by a lack of moral compass. Suffice to say that a person who embodies all three of these traits and is repelled by morality can cause a great deal of harm in personal relationships.

The Dark Triad in the Workplace

In workplaces, the Dark Triad manifests in various ways, impacting team dynamics, leadership styles, and organizational culture.32 Their Machiavellian aspect thrives in competitive environments, where they have an opportunity to use their cunning to climb the corporate ladder, and sow seeds of distrust among their peers. Their dysfunctional narcissism may seek to annihilate anyone who poses a threat to their self-image. Finally, their psychopathic traits may lead them to engage in ruthless competition, disregarding ethical considerations.

Understanding these dynamics is vital for cultivating healthy environments at work and at home. Maintaining strong boundaries and clear communication in personal relationships, and cultivating transparency and accountability in workplaces, can reduce some of the negative impact of these traits.

Dark Triad in Popular Culture: Macrinus (Denzel Washington) in "Gladiator II".
Macrinus, the antagonist portrayed by Academy Award winner Denzel Washington in “Gladiator II” was the embodiment of Dark Triad traits. – Screen capture from YouTube.

The Dark Triad traits are frequently depicted in popular culture, appearing in literature, film, and television. Characters embodying these traits serve as compelling antagonists, reflecting the darker aspects of human nature. These portrayals, while often exaggerated, tap into societal fears and fascinations with manipulation, power, and morality.

In literature, theatre, and cinema, some of the most famous Dark Triad characters are Iago in (‘Othello’), Isabelle, Marquise de Merteuil (‘Dangerous Liasions’), Gordon Gekko (‘Wall Street’), Tom Ripley (‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’), and Marcrinus (‘Gladiator II’).33

These figures capture the psychological core of the Dark Triad: a relentless pursuit of validation, a chilling emotional void, and a complete absence of moral compass. These representations spark educational discussions on ethics and the consequences of manipulation. By analyzing these portrayals, it’s possible to gain insights into the complexities of human behavior.

Research Findings on the Dark Triad

Research Findings on the Dark Triad

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the Dark Triad – Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Studies shows that people who score high in these traits often have trouble with relationships, decision-making, and controlling their emotions.

Machiavellians, for example, are more likely to be dishonest, especially when they’re trying to win. They tend to manipulate others to get what they want.34

Narcissistic individuals often struggle with relationships. They lack empathy, which leads to conflicts and misunderstandings. They also tend to get very angry and defensive when they feel criticized, making it hard to have healthy relationships with them.35

People with high psychopathy traits tend to be impulsive and take more risks. Research has shown they are more likely to engage in criminal and antisocial behaviors, often because they lack remorse.36

Understanding Dark Triad traits is important for dealing with people who exhibit them, whether in personal relationships or at work. By recognizing these patterns, we can develop better ways to cope and protect ourselves.

Strategies for Dealing with Dark Triad Personalities

Relationships with people who exhibit Dark Triad traits can be profoundly challenging and emotionally draining. Taking care of yourself is key. It’s worthwhile learning ways to protect your well-being. Here are some techniques that can help you deal with and lessen the negative impact of these difficult interactions.

How Boundary Setting Can Help

Remember, the only person you can control is yourself. Therefore, it can be helpful to clearly define acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. Furthermore, once you have learned to identify manipulative and emotionally exploitative behaviors in others decide how you will respond to them. Maintaining an awareness of your boundaries and assertively communicating them can deter the unwanted behaviors associated with Dark Triad personalities.37

Education and Awareness about Dark Triad Personalities

A really helpful way to protect yourself is to become more aware of how these types of people act and to understand your own feelings better. Learning about the Dark Triad helps you spot warning signs early on. When you’re more emotionally intelligent, you can handle difficult situations more calmly and respond thoughtfully, instead of reacting without thinking. This also helps you be kinder to yourself, recognizing that dealing with these personalities is tough and that taking care of yourself is essential.

Strategies for Navigating Dark Triad Personalities

  • Prioritize Self-Care – Dealing with Dark Triad personalities can be draining and destructive, and as they use tactics that may harm you or others. Therefore, it is wise to your time and energy in relationships and activities that nourish and replenish you.
  • The Gray Rock Method – To protect yourself from Dark Triad personalities it can help to use the Gray Rock Method. This is a strategy of emotional non-responsiveness that minimizes engagement and reduces their interest.
  • Depersonalize The Behavior – It’s important to remember that the behavior of Dark Triad personalities is not about you. People exhibiting Dark Triad traits manipulate, deceive, and exploit due to an amoral worldview, not because of something you’ve done.
  • Set Boundaries – Taking care of your mental health means setting good boundaries, like knowing when to walk away from bad situations. These boundaries are really important when dealing with people who have Dark Triad traits.
  • Mind Your Own Business – Changing a Dark Triad personality is rarely successful. It is more productive to focus on managing your own boundaries and limiting contact with them.
  • Adjust Your Expectations – Consistently facing disappointment and clinging to hope for change will fill your life with negativity. It’s better to accept reality and more on.
  • Don’t adopt the same tactics – Competitive environments can tempt you to mirror negative behaviors, but this often backfires, pushing others to intensify their tactics. In the long run, ethical behavior leads to more lasting success.
  • Learn To Discern – Stay alert for discrepancies between words and actions. Pay attention to excessive flattery. Investigate their past for manipulative patterns or betrayals. Past actions are a reliable indicator of future behavior.

The Importance of Connection

Finally, make sure you stay connected with people you can trust. Dark Triad personalities are often predatory in nature. When they seek to dominate and exploit another, they often begin by isolating them. Think of how wolves pursue the lone sheep who has strayed from the herd. For this reason, it is important to stay connected with trusted family members, friends, and qualified professionals who can provide edifying perspectives and help you develop the skills to overcome the difficulty of dealing with Dark Triad personalities. For example, our narcissistic abuse recovery coaching service can help you overcome your situation and reconnect with your goals. Our approach includes supportive conversations that offer deep insights. Together, we’ll create practical, goal-oriented strategies for managing the emotional strain of these relationships.

Final Thoughts: Embracing Understanding and Resilience

Dark Triad: Understanding, Resilience, and Recovery

A deep dive into the Dark Triad—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—reveals a complex and multifaceted tapestry of human behavior. These individuals often challenges our fundamental understanding of morality and ethics. Each aspect of this personality provides a unique lens through which we can examine the darker aspects of human behavior, shedding light on the insidious ways people can manipulate, exploit, and inflict harm upon others. Learning to understand Dark Triad personalities empowers us to improve our interpersonal skills. Moreover, recognizing these traits in ourselves creates an opportunity for invaluable self-reflection and personal growth. This knowledge makes it possible to build more authentic and compassionate connections.

How Narcissistic Abuse Rehab Can Help

If you or a loved one is ready to break free from a toxic relationship and reclaim your life, Narcissistic Abuse Rehab is here to kick start your recovery journey. We craft tailored solutions that support your unique path to healing, offering empowering one-on-one coaching sessions every week. Our world-class coaching services employ effective, evidence-based strategies to help you rebuild your inner strength, reconnect with your purpose, and achieve your recovery goals. Experience online support that empowers you to overcome past wounds and embrace a fulfilling future. Book a FREE 15-Minute consultation today.

Bibliography

Click to view the references used in this article.
  1. Paulhus, D. L., & Williams, K. M. (2002). The Dark Triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Journal of Research in Personality, 36(6), 556–563. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/S0092-6566(02)00505-6 ↩︎
  2. Rauthmann, J. F. (2012). The Dark Triad and Interpersonal Perception: Similarities and Differences in the Social Consequences of Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and Psychopathy. Social Psychological and Personality Science3(4), 487-496. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/1948550611427608 ↩︎
  3. Jones, D. N., & Paulhus, D. L. (2009). Machiavellianism. In M. R. Leary & R. H. Hoyle (Eds.), Handbook of individual differences in social behavior (pp. 93–108). The Guilford Press. ↩︎
  4. Sakshee, S. (2025) Capitalizing on Machiavellian Traits in the Workplace: Leveraging Strengths While Minimizing Pitfalls. All Things Talent. ↩︎
  5. Bereczkei, T., Birkas, B., and Kerekes, Z.(2010) The Presence of Others, Prosocial Traits, Machiavellianism. DOI : https://doi.org/10.1027/1864-9335/a000032 ↩︎
  6. Mento, Carmela; Lombardo, Clara; Whithorn, Nicholas; Muscatello, Maria Rosaria Anna; Bruno, Antonio; Casablanca, Maura; and Silvestri, Maria Catena (2023) “Psychological violence and manipulative behavior in couple: A focus on personality traits,” Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences: Vol. 10: Iss. 2, Article 1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/2392-7674.1399 ↩︎
  7. Mento, Carmela; Lombardo, Clara; Whithorn, Nicholas; Muscatello, Maria Rosaria Anna; Bruno, Antonio; Casablanca, Maura; and Silvestri, Maria Catena (2023) “Psychological violence and manipulative behavior in couple: A focus on personality traits,” Journal of Mind and Medical Sciences: Vol. 10: Iss. 2, Article 1. Pages 172-177. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22543/2392-7674.1399 ↩︎
  8. Burns, Gary N., Matt P. DeGennaro, Cody E. Harrell, P. Jewel Morrison, Lauren M. Soda, and Ryan Walters. “Emotional Manipulation in the Workplace: An Investigation into the Indirect Effects of Machiavellianism on Counterproductive Work Behaviors (CWBs).” Personality and Individual Differences (forthcoming). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2024.112111 ↩︎
  9. Pilch, I., Turska, E. Relationships Between Machiavellianism, Organizational Culture, and Workplace Bullying: Emotional Abuse from the Target’s and the Perpetrator’s Perspective. J Bus Ethics 128, 83–93 (2015). DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10551-014-2081-3 ↩︎
  10. Lee, K., & Ashton, M. C. (2005). Psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and Narcissism in the Five-Factor Model and the HEXACO model of personality structure. Personality and Individual Differences, 38(7), 1571–1582.DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2004.09.016 ↩︎
  11. Mayo Clinic. Narcissistic personality disorder. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. ↩︎
  12. Vaknin, S. (2021) Self-awareness and introspection in Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). Ann Psychiatry Treatm 5(1): 019-022. DOI: 10.17352/apt.000026 ↩︎
  13. Elleuch D. Narcissistic Personality Disorder through psycholinguistic analysis and neuroscientific correlates. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. 2024 Jul 17;18:1354258. DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1354258. PMID: 39105107; PMCID: PMC11299496. ↩︎
  14. Wakefield, M. (2023) Understanding Shame-Based Behavior Narcissistic Abuse Rehab. ↩︎
  15. Tholkes, Hunter G. “Narcissism’s Beguiling Social Facade.” SCSU Journal of Student Scholarship 2, no. 2 (2023): 2. ↩︎
  16. Reid, S. (2025) How to Identify and Deal with a Covert Narcissist. HelpGuide.org. ↩︎
  17. O’Reilly CA, Hall N. Grandiose narcissists and decision making: Impulsive, overconfident, and skeptical of experts-but seldom in doubt. Pers Individ Dif. 2021 Jan 1;168:110280. doi: 10.1016/j.paid.2020.110280. Epub 2020 Aug 14. PMID: 32834287; PMCID: PMC7427600. ↩︎
  18. Lynch J, Benson AJ. Putting Oneself Ahead of the Group: The Liability of Narcissistic Leadership. Pers Soc Psychol Bull. 2024 Aug;50(8):1211-1226. doi: 10.1177/01461672231163645. Epub 2023 Apr 4. PMID: 37013863; PMCID: PMC11193326. ↩︎
  19. Schyns, B., Braun, S., & Wisse, B.  (2019, October 30). Dark Personalities in the WorkplaceOxford Research Encyclopedia of Psychology. ↩︎
  20. Book, Angela, Beth A. Visser, and Anthony A. Volk. Unpacking “Evil”: Claiming the core of the Dark Triad.” Personality and Individual Differences. 73 (2015): 29-38. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paid.2014.09.016 ↩︎
  21. Blonigen DM, Hicks BM, Krueger RF, Patrick CJ, Iacono WG. Psychopathic personality traits: heritability and genetic overlap with internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. Psychol Med. 2005 May;35(5):637-48. doi: 10.1017/s0033291704004180. PMID: 15918340; PMCID: PMC2242349. ↩︎
  22. Hare, Robert D. Psychopathy checklist—revisedPsychological assessment (2003). ↩︎
  23. Wright B, Fearon P, Garside M, et al. Routinely used interventions to improve attachment in infants and young children: a national survey and two systematic reviews. Southampton (UK): National Institute for Health and Care Research; 2023 Feb. (Health Technology Assessment, No. 27.2.) Chapter 4, Understanding of attachment difficulties. ↩︎
  24. Johnson SA. Understanding the psychopath: investigative strategies. a follow-up on understanding the violent personality: antisocial personality disorder, psychopathy, & sociopathy explored (Johnson, 2019). Forensic Res Criminol Int J. 2024;12(3):181-194. DOI: 10.15406/frcij.2024.12.00417 ↩︎
  25. Cleckley, H. M. (1951). The Mask of Sanity. Postgraduate Medicine9(3), 193–197. https://doi.org/10.1080/00325481.1951.11694097. ↩︎
  26. Paulhus, D.L. and Williams, K.M., 2002. The dark triad of personality: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Journal of research in personality36(6), pp.556-563. ↩︎
  27. Gunderson, John & Ronningstam, Elsa. (2001). Differentiating Narcissistic and Antisocial Personality Disorders. Journal of personality disorders. 15. 103-9. 10.1521/pedi.15.2.103.19213. ↩︎
  28. Weinberg I, Ronningstam E. Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Progress in Understanding and Treatment. Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2022 Oct;20(4):368-377. doi: 10.1176/appi.focus.20220052. Epub 2022 Oct 25. PMID: 37200887; PMCID: PMC10187400. ↩︎
  29. Fatima, T., Majeed, M., Jahanzeb, S., Gul, S., and Irshad, M. (2021). Servant Leadership and Machiavellian Followers: A Moderated Mediation Model. Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology, 37(3), 215 – 229. https://doi.org/10.5093/jwop2021a19 ↩︎
  30. Frazier A, Ferreira PA, Gonzales JE. Born this way? A review of neurobiological and environmental evidence for the etiology of psychopathy. Personal Neurosci. 2019 Oct 23;2:e8. doi: 10.1017/pen.2019.7. PMID: 32435743; PMCID: PMC7219694. ↩︎
  31. Al-Rawashdeh, Osama Mohammad; Al Manaseh, Mohammad Fadel; Al Najdawi, Bashar M. Dark Triad Personality Traits and Workplace Outcomes: Evidence from the Hospitality Industry. Journal of Environmental Management and Tourism, [S.l.], v. 15, n. 2, p. 357 – 372, may 2024. ISSN 2068-7729. ↩︎
  32. Pimentel, Duarte, Sofia Lagarto, and Pedro Marques-Quinteiro. 2024. “Examining Dark Triad Traits in Formal Leaders and Their Impact on Employee Workplace Stress: A Comparative Study of Family and Non-Family Businesses” Businesses 4, no. 3: 331-346. https://doi.org/10.3390/businesses4030021 ↩︎
  33. Sukardi, R.A.Q.S. (2015) Machiavellian Principles Depricted in William Shakespeare’s Othello. Lexicon, Volume 4, Number 2, page 145-152. DOI: https://doi.org/10.22146/lexicon.v4i2.42155 ↩︎
  34. Hunter, J. E., Gerbing, D. W., & Boster, F. J. (1982). Machiavellian beliefs and personality: Construct invalidity of the Machiavellianism dimension. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 43(6), 1293–1305. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.43.6.1293 ↩︎
  35. Day, Nicholas JS, Michelle L. Townsend, and Brin FS Grenyer. “Pathological narcissism: An analysis of interpersonal dysfunction within intimate relationships.” Personality and mental health 16, no. 3 (2022): 204-216. ↩︎
  36. Lee, Yeungjeom, and Jihoon Kim. “Psychopathic traits and different types of criminal behavior: An assessment of direct effects and mediating processes.” Journal of Criminal Justice80 (2022): 101772. ↩︎
  37. Fischbacher-Smith, D. (2015), “The enemy has passed through the gate: Insider threats, the dark triad, and the challenges around security”, Journal of Organizational Effectiveness: People and Performance, Vol. 2 No. 2, pp. 134-156. https://doi.org/10.1108/JOEPP-03-2015-0010 ↩︎

Photos by Deposit Photos. All graphics created by Narcissistic Abuse Rehab are copyrighted and protected by the law. Any unauthorized use, copying, reproduction, or distribution of these materials is strictly prohibited. Violators will be subjected to legal action and protected to the full extend of the law.

For licensing inquiries or permissions, please send a request via our contact page.

Author

Manya Wakefield is a recovery coach specializing in cognitive behavioral therapy and coercive trauma. Her expertise has been featured in publications such as Newsweek, Elle, Cosmopolitan, and Huffington Post. In 2019, she launched the social impact platform Narcissistic Abuse Rehab, building a global audience through human rights advocacy. The same year, she published the book ‘Are You In An Emotionally Abusive Relationship,’ which is used in domestic violence recovery groups around the world. In 2020, Manya developed The Coercive Control Legislation Global Database. She is also the host of The Narcissistic Abuse Rehab Podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Amazon.