The Fact
In a preregistered study of 315 adults, all measured Dark Tetrad traits were associated with greater acceptance of gaslighting tactics in intimate relationships. In regression analysis, primary psychopathy, Machiavellian tactics, and sadism emerged as significant predictors. The study also found that vulnerable narcissism interacted with sex, with men high in vulnerable narcissism showing the greatest acceptance of gaslighting tactics.
What This Means
Acceptance of gaslighting tactics was measurably related to personality traits associated with manipulation, callousness, and exploitation. The study does not establish that everyone with any one trait gaslights.
Sources
- Evita March et al., “It’s All in Your Head: Personality Traits and Gaslighting Tactics in Intimate Relationships,” Journal of Family Violence, published online 2023; volume publication 2025.