DiscoverBreaking Free from Narcissistic AbuseDoes the Dark Triad Personality Type Really Exist & Is This Person Dangerous?
Does the Dark Triad Personality Type Really Exist & Is This Person Dangerous?

Does the Dark Triad Personality Type Really Exist & Is This Person Dangerous?

Update: 2025-11-20
Share

Description

“Is the Dark Triad a real disorder—or just a dangerous type?”

This week’s Fan Mail question comes from a listener in Germany who writes after a recent video:

“You called ‘dark triad’ a personality disorder, but it isn’t in the DSM-5. Isn’t it a subclinical descriptor?”

In this episode, Dr. Kerry clarifies what is the Dark Triad and why we need to get better at spotting this type of personality. 

Submit Your Question

If you’d like your question addressed on air, send it here: 

👉 https://kerrymcavoyphd.fillout.com/fan-mail

Stay in Touch With Dr. Kerry!

More About Dr. Kerry

Kerry Kerr McAvoy, Ph.D, a retired psychologist and author, is an expert on cultivating healthy relationships and deconstructing narcissism. Her blogs have been featured in Mamami, YourTango, Scary Mommy, and The Good Men Project. 

In Love You More, Dr. McAvoy gives an uncensored glimpse into her survival of narcissistic abuse, and her workbook, First Steps to Leaving a Narcissist, helps victims break free from the confusion common in abusive relationships. She hosts the Breaking Free from Narcissistic Abuse podcast and offers trauma-related advice on social media.

Submit your question to be answered on air to the Fan Mail link below!

Support the show

Disclaimer: This podcast/video is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute therapy, counseling, or professional mental health advice. If you are in crisis, please call 911 or your local emergency number.


Comments 
In Channel
loading
00:00
00:00
x

0.5x

0.8x

1.0x

1.25x

1.5x

2.0x

3.0x

Sleep Timer

Off

End of Episode

5 Minutes

10 Minutes

15 Minutes

30 Minutes

45 Minutes

60 Minutes

120 Minutes

Does the Dark Triad Personality Type Really Exist & Is This Person Dangerous?

Does the Dark Triad Personality Type Really Exist & Is This Person Dangerous?

Kerry McAvoy, Ph.D.