The Dutch D70: Psychometric validation of the Dark Factor of Personality

The Dark Factor of Personality (D) represents a common dispositional core underlying socially and morally aversive traits (Moshagen et al., 2018, 2020). This study provides the first psychometric evaluation of the Dutch 70-item D factor scale (Dutch D70) across two independent samples: an online community sample (n = 978) and a student sample (n = 1,806). Using confirmatory factor analysis, we compared a unidimensional model, a hierarchical second-order model, and a bifactor model. In both samples, the bifactor structure demonstrated the best overall fit. It indicated a dominant general Dark Factor accounting for the vast majority of the common variance with high reliability. The specific residual factors contributed minimal unique variance. Multi-group analyses supported full scalar invariance across self-reported sex, showing that the scale functions equivalently for men and women. Construct and nomological validity were supported through consistent associations of D with lower empathic concern and higher levels of low morality and ethnocentrism. Significant relations between D and self-reported out-group aggression further supported criterion-related validity. Overall, the findings show that the Dutch D70 is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing a strong general Dark Factor, with structural and validity evidence replicated across both community and student samples.