This study associates the subclinical dark triad (DT) of personality—narcissism,
psychopathy, and Machiavellianism, and their composite—with negative creativity.
An instrument developed by the author assessed the likelihood of engaging in creativity,
where negative creativity was defined as an act that is original and useful to the individual.
The strength of association between creativity, positivity, and negativity was
assessed via an Implicit Association Test. The DT scales, Creativity measure, and the
IAT were administered to 51 Indian adults (Mage¼22.3 years, 27 women). Multiple
regression analyses revealed positive associations between narcissism and positive creativity,
and between psychopathy and negative creativity. Further, the composite DT
score predicted engagement in negative creativity. The associative strength between
negativity and creativity on the IAT was not significant, though corollaries were drawn.
Limitations and contributions of this study are outlined, and suggestions for future
research are summarized.