What question did this study set out to answer?

This research aims to clarify the relationship between Dark Triad personality traits and workplace bullying perpetration.

March 7, 2026Open Access

Dark Triad traits and workplace bullying: a systematic review and meta-analysis of personality, power, and psychosocial safety

Puntos clave

This research aims to clarify the relationship between Dark Triad personality traits and workplace bullying perpetration.
Conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following PRISMA guidelines.
Searched major databases including PubMed and PsycINFO until September 2025.
Included studies that assessed associations between Dark Triad traits and workplace bullying in working-age individuals.
Utilized random-effects models to calculate pooled effect sizes and assessed risk of bias.
All Dark Triad traits were positively associated with workplace bullying perpetration.
Psychopathy exhibited the strongest correlation with bullying (r = 0.53).
Narcissism and Machiavellianism were also positively linked, with correlations of r = 0.40 and r = 0.35, respectively.
Contextual factors such as organizational climate and justice perceptions were identified as moderators.

Resumen

Background Workplace bullying is a widespread and serious public health concern, affecting a substantial proportion of workers globally. While its consequences for mental and physical health are well established, consistent personality-based predictors of perpetration remain unclear. The Dark Triad personality traits, including Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, are conceptually linked to interpersonal aggression but prior evidence is fragmented. Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses 2020 guidelines (Open Science Framework, DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/FWQ73 ). PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched to 2 September 2025. Eligible studies reported associations between Dark Triad traits and workplace bullying perpetration among working-age participants. Random-effects models using Fisher’s z-transformed correlations generated pooled effect sizes. Risk of bias was assessed using an adapted Joanna Briggs Institute checklist, and certainty of evidence graded with Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations. Findings Of 89 records screened, 16 met inclusion criteria, and nine contributed to meta-analysis. All traits were positively associated with bullying perpetration. Psychopathy showed the strongest pooled correlation ( r = 0.53 95% CI 0.28–0.71), followed by narcissism ( r = 0.40 95% CI 0.26–0.52) and Machiavellianism ( r = 0.35 95% CI 0.13–0.53). Heterogeneity was substantial ( I 2 90%). Narrative synthesis indicated contextual moderators including organizational climate, justice perceptions, and identity threat—shaped trait expression. Interpretation Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy are robust predictors of workplace bullying perpetration, with psychopathy most strongly implicated. Preventive strategies should integrate personality-informed leadership development with organizational safeguards. Workplace bullying should be prioritized as an occupational hazard and public health issue. Systematic review registration https://osf.io/tvfkc/overview .

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