The criminological potential of the Dark Triad concept in predicting crime

This article examines the criminological potential of the Dark Triad concept as a modern interdisciplinary tool for predicting crime. The relevance of this research stems from the need to refine existing models of criminological forecasting by taking into account individual psychological factors that determine a person’s propensity for unlawful behaviour. Traditional approaches to crime prediction are predominantly based on socio-economic and legal indicators, whilst personality characteristics remain insufficiently integrated into the system for assessing crime-related risks. This paper analyses the nature of the main components of the Dark Triad – narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy – and explores their criminological significance in the context of the development of deviant and criminal behaviour. Particular attention is paid to contemporary scientific approaches to understanding the internal structure of these traits, their interrelationships, and the potential for using psychodiagnostic methods to predict primary and recidivist criminality. It is argued that psychopathy possesses the greatest predictive potential, as it is a central component of the Dark Triad and is most closely linked to aggressive, antisocial and recidivist behaviour. It has been established that the integration of psychological constructs into criminological forecasting facilitates a more accurate identification of crime-related risks, enhances the effectiveness of preventive measures and creates the conditions for the development of individualised crime prevention strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on the need to adapt and psychometrically validate international diagnostic tools to Ukrainian sociocultural conditions, as well as on the advisability of their application in law enforcement activities under martial law. It is concluded that the concept of the Dark Triad has significant theoretical and practical potential for the development of modern criminology, the refinement of crime prediction models, and the enhancement of the effectiveness of the state’s preventive policies.