Tutorial: The Dark Triad

What are the 3 traits of the dark triad?

Narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy

Narcissism definition

lack empathy, focus on self-importance, sense of entitlement, exploitative

Machiavellianism definition

self interest, manipulation, deception

what did vernon et all 2008 suggest about the 3 traits

strong genetic component for each of the three traits

How can the dark triad be measured?

‘The dirty dozen’ 12 item self-report scale e.g.

• I tend to manipulate others to get my way

• I tend to lack remorse

• I tend to seek prestige or status

How do the dark triad traits correlate with other factors?

• negatively with agreeableness, empathy, conscientiousness

• positively with aggression, impulsivity, resilient self-esteem

• males tend to score higher

What was the overall pattern of Jonassen et al’s study?

• The composite Dark Triad score was positively correlated with preferences for various short-term relationship types (one-night stands, booty calls, friends-with-benefits). Scott Barry Kaufman+1

• The Dark Triad was negatively correlated with preference for serious (long-term) romantic relationships.

What was narcissism associated with in Jonassen et al

• Positively associated with preferences for one-night stands and friends-with-benefits. ResearchGate+1

• Negatively associated with preference for serious romantic relationships.

What was psychopathy associated with in Jonassen?

• Positively associated with preference for booty-call relationships. ResearchGate+1

• Also negatively associated with serious romantic relationships

What of Machiavellianism in Jonassen?

did not have strong unique predictive power in most cases once overlap with the other traits was accounted for.