A critical review of the Short Dark Triad (SD3)

This paper provides a critical review of the Short Dark Triad (SD3), a 27-item self-report measure developed by Jones and Paulhus (2014) to assess the personality constructs of Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism. Widely cited and commonly used in psychological research, the SD3 offers a quick means of measuring these three socially aversive constructs. This review draws together and discusses existing literature on the psychometric properties of the SD3, with a focus on reliability and validity. A structured database search informed this review to ensure breadth and transparency. While the measure demonstrates relatively good internal consistency and test–retest reliability, concerns are raised in relation to its validity—particularly content validity and the conceptual underpinnings of the original three-factor model. Evidence from studies conducted in both Western and non-Western contexts suggests that alternative models (e.g., bi-factor structures, a single general factor, or overlapping constructs on a continuum) may better capture the relationships among the constructs. Limitations in the availability and applicability of normative data are also discussed. This review highlights implications for both research and practice, raising questions about the robustness of the SD3 and recommending caution in its use and interpretation, especially in applied or clinical contexts.