New study ranks Nevada first in narcissism and psychopathy

By Kelly Chapman 

Nevada News and Views

A new study out of Denmark has revealed Nevada ranks first in the United States for so-called “dark personality traits.”

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen reviewed the psychological data of over 144,000 Americans.

Their finding? The Silver State scored the highest on the Dark Factor scale: a measure of traits like narcissism, psychopathy, and manipulativeness.

Nevada’s average score was 2.26 out of 5.

That’s not a number most Nevadans will be proud of.

What’s Driving This?

The researchers didn’t point fingers at individuals. Instead, they highlighted adverse societal conditions (poverty, corruption, inequality, and violence) as key drivers behind this trend.

In Nevada, a state defined by its gambling industry and high-risk culture, those traits may be more tolerated, or even rewarded.

When a state normalizes risk-taking, selfishness can look like strategy. Aggression may pass for ambition.

These traits, though undesirable, can rise when institutions fail to guide people toward healthier behavior.

This is where culture meets consequence.

Mental Health Crisis Behind the Curtain

Nevada’s mental health care system ranks near the bottom nationwide. The state has only one mental health provider for every 460 residents.

Worse, more than half of those with mental illness aren’t receiving treatment.

Without basic care, people fall through the cracks. They struggle, act out, or withdraw.

The data shows that mental health neglect doesn’t just hurt individuals. It shapes entire communities.

Why Method Matters

It’s worth noting that past studies have placed Nevada lower on the psychopathy scale.

A 2018 study, for instance, ranked the state eighth, using a different psychological model.

The current study takes a broader view, measuring not just psychopathy, but a cluster of “dark” traits under one umbrella.

Critics of the research rightly caution against oversimplifying. Personality is complex.

No one becomes manipulative or aggressive in a vacuum. Genes matter. So does upbringing.

Yet the trends are clear enough to raise concern.

A Conservative Take on the Findings

Strong communities, moral foundations, and a limited government with clear accountability are essential to a free society.

When those break down, darker tendencies fill the vacuum.

Government should do less, but do it well.

That means protecting public safety. Ensuring access to care. Supporting families, not replacing them. Encouraging work and responsibility, not dependence.

Nevada’s ranking is a reflection of what happens when we allow cultural rot to spread unchecked.

When schools don’t teach virtue. When local leaders tolerate corruption. When risky behavior is rewarded instead of corrected.

This isn’t about banning casinos or micromanaging lives. It’s about reinforcing what works: stable families, good schools, safe streets, and a culture that prizes character over charm.

What Needs to Change

To reverse these trends, Nevada (and other states facing similar issues) should focus on four key areas:

—Mental Health Access: Expand care, especially in underserved areas.

—Community Safety: Support police and crack down on corruption.

—Family Strengthening: Empower parents through school choice and family-centered policies.

—Civic Responsibility: Promote personal accountability and reject victimhood culture.

These are not quick fixes. They require time, trust, and leadership with backbone.

But they’re the surest way to rebuild a society where darkness doesn’t define us.

A Final Word

Nevada is more than neon lights and casinos. It’s home to hard-working families, veterans, teachers, and small business owners.

They deserve better than to be defined by a statistic.

Still, the data offers a sobering lesson: if we don’t uphold the values that build strong people and strong places, we risk becoming the kind of society where dark traits don’t just survive, they thrive.

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Kelly Chapman is executive director of the Nevada Business Alliance. You can reach her at NevadaBizAlliance@gmail.com or (702) 483-0186. You can follow her on Twitter/X here: @NSBAlliance.