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Study Links Corruption to Rise in Dark Personality Traits

6/17/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A groundbreaking study by Professor Ingo Zettler at the University of Copenhagen reveals a startling connection: in societies plagued by corruption, inequality, and violence, individuals are more likely to develop "dark" personality traits like narcissism and psychopathy. Analyzing data from nearly 2 million people across 183 countries, the research underscores how our environment shapes who we become.

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Story summary

A groundbreaking study by Professor Ingo Zettler at the University of Copenhagen reveals a startling connection: in societies plagued by corruption, inequality, and violence, individuals are more likely to develop "dark" personality traits like narcissism and psychopathy. Analyzing data from nearly 2 million people across 183 countries, the research underscores how our environment shapes who we become.