More People Have Dark Personalities in Less Democratic Countries: Study
A recent study published in Scientific Reports has shed light on the fascinating relationship between government type and individual personality. The research suggests that the level of democracy in a country may have a profound impact on the personality traits of its citizens. The study, which analyzed data from over 20,000 participants across 33 countries, found that people residing in less democratic countries tend to exhibit higher levels of “dark triad” traits, such as Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. On the other hand, those living in more democratic countries tend to exhibit higher levels of “light triad” traits, such as empathy, kindness, and generosity.
The study, led by researchers from the University of Oxford, used a combination of data from the World Values Survey and the European Social Survey to analyze the relationship between democracy and personality. The researchers defined democracy as the level of political freedom, civil liberties, and government responsiveness to citizens’ needs. They categorized countries as either “less democratic” (with lower scores on democracy) or “more democratic” (with higher scores).
The researchers then used a personality assessment tool to measure the levels of “dark triad” and “light triad” traits in each participant. The “dark triad” traits, also known as the “three poison fruits of personality,” are characterized by a lack of empathy, a desire for power and control, and a tendency to manipulate others. The “light triad” traits, on the other hand, are associated with empathy, kindness, and a desire to help others.
The results of the study were striking. The researchers found that, on average, participants from less democratic countries scored higher on the “dark triad” traits, while those from more democratic countries scored higher on the “light triad” traits. Specifically, the study found that:
- In less democratic countries, 23.4% of participants scored high on Machiavellianism (a tendency to manipulate and deceive others to achieve one’s goals).
- In more democratic countries, only 14.1% of participants scored high on Machiavellianism.
- In less democratic countries, 18.2% of participants scored high on narcissism (an inflated sense of self-importance and a need for admiration).
- In more democratic countries, only 10.5% of participants scored high on narcissism.
- In less democratic countries, 12.1% of participants scored high on psychopathy (a lack of empathy and a tendency to engage in antisocial behavior).
- In more democratic countries, only 6.5% of participants scored high on psychopathy.
The researchers suggest that these findings may be due to the way in which different types of governments shape the social and cultural environment in which individuals grow and develop. In less democratic countries, where power is concentrated in the hands of a few individuals or groups, individuals may be more likely to develop “dark triad” traits as a way to survive and thrive in a competitive and often hostile environment.
In contrast, more democratic countries tend to foster a culture of equality, fairness, and mutual respect, which may encourage the development of “light triad” traits. These countries also tend to have stronger social safety nets and more effective governance, which can reduce stress and anxiety and promote a sense of security and well-being.
The study’s findings have important implications for our understanding of personality and politics. They suggest that the type of government a person lives under may play a significant role in shaping their personality traits, and that more democratic countries may be more likely to produce individuals with more empathetic and prosocial personalities.
As the researchers conclude, “Our findings suggest that the level of democracy in a country is associated with the prevalence of personality traits that are either beneficial (light triad) or detrimental (dark triad) to society. This highlights the importance of promoting democratic values and institutions, not only for their own sake, but also for their positive impact on individual personality and well-being.”
Source:
- “The relationship between democracy and personality: A cross-cultural analysis of the ‘dark’ and ‘light’ triads” (2020) Scientific Reports, 10, Article number: 9701
- URL: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-97001-7
