Psychopaths everywhere: leanne ten brinke studies toxic traits

Meet Leanne ten Brinke, the psychologist who's spent decades studying toxic personality traits like psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism. What's striking about her work is that she's found these traits aren't just confined to the 'underworld' - they appear in all aspects of life.

From parole offices to corporate boards

Ten Brinke's fascination with these dark personalities began early in her career, while volunteering at a parole office in Halifax, Canada. She was struck by how effortlessly some individuals manipulated situations to their advantage, even in the face of confronting the harm they'd caused. One particularly chilling encounter with a rapist left a lasting impression, leading her to reevaluate her path.

Undeterred, ten Brinke pursued her research, recognizing that toxic personalities permeate society at large. She's consulted with hedge funds to assess managers, and even analyzed the behavior of CEOs in investor conferences. Her findings suggest that individuals with psychopathic and narcissistic traits are over-represented in senior leadership positions, often presenting as charismatic and extremely confident.

So, what can we do to recognize and handle these individuals? Ten Brinke's research points to the importance of self-awareness and personal growth. By actively working to cultivate empathy, gratitude, and consideration for others, we can all dial down our darker tendencies. It's a hopeful message, as she acknowledges that our personalities aren't fixed - they can evolve over time.