Unpacking more “evil”: What is at the core of the dark tetrad?

Several models have been proposed to explain the overlap in the Dark Triad traits. Research indicates that the HEXACO model best accounted for the core of these constructs. “Sadism”, has recently been added to the Triad resulting in a Dark Tetrad. The purpose of the current study was to determine whether the HEXACO model best accounts for the core of dark-personality traits with the addition of sadism. Four-hundred-and-ninety undergraduate students completed the study online. Although all models were significant, the HEXACO accounted for significantly more variability. Loadings suggest that the core is represented by low Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, with Honesty-Humility having the largest impact. Individual regressions highlight potential conceptual differences between the dark personalities, though all were predicted by honesty-humility and agreeableness.