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Psychologist Leanne ten Brinke has dedicated her career to understanding toxic personality traits, particularly psychopathy. Her work highlights the prevalence of such traits in various sectors, including workplaces, politics, and personal relationships.
Ten Brinke's interest in dark personalities was sparked during her early volunteer work at a parole office in Canada, where she encountered a rapist who exhibited chilling confidence and a lack of remorse. This experience led her to explore the characteristics of psychopathy, which often include charm, manipulation, and impulsivity.
She notes that these traits are not confined to criminal environments but can be found in everyday life. Many individuals with psychopathic traits can appear charismatic and confident, making them difficult to identify. Ten Brinke emphasizes the importance of recognizing red flags, such as a lack of empathy, superficial charm, and a tendency to exploit others for personal gain.
Understanding these traits can help individuals navigate interactions with potentially toxic personalities, whether in professional settings or personal relationships. By being aware of the signs, people can better protect themselves from manipulation and emotional harm.
Source: www.theguardian.com – https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/mar/10/how-to-recognise-handle-psychopath