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Kardum I, Hudek-Knezevic J, Mehić N, Banov Trošelj K. The dark triad traits and relationship satisfaction: Dyadic response surface analysis. J Pers 2024; 92:931-947. [PMID: 37288559 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The current study investigated actor and partner effects and the effects of (dis)similarity in the dark triad traits on self-reported relationship satisfaction of both members of romantic couples. We examined these effects on actual similarity, similarity of perception, and men's and women's perceived similarity. METHODS On the sample of 205 heterosexual romantic couples, we administered questionnaires for measuring self-reported and partner-reported psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism, as well as self-reported relationship satisfaction. For analyzing data, we used dyadic response surface analysis. RESULTS The results corroborated our hypotheses that the dark triad traits exerted mainly negative actor and partner effects on both partners' relationship satisfaction. The effects of (dis)similarity were obtained for psychopathy and narcissism. Dissimilarity in psychopathy was related to lower men's relationship satisfaction. Dissimilarity in narcissism was related to lower, whereas similarity in this trait to higher relationship satisfaction of both partners. Generally, our findings were similar across methods and sources of assessment. CONCLUSION The results suggest that the DT traits of both members of a romantic couple matter for judgments of their relationship satisfaction and that along with actor and partner effects, the effects of (dis)similarity in psychopathy and narcissism also contribute to their relationship satisfaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Kardum
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Jasna Hudek-Knezevic
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Nermina Mehić
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Katarina Banov Trošelj
- Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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2
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Semenyna SW, Vasey PL, Honey PL. Sex and Sexual Orientation Differences in Dark Triad Traits, Sexual Excitation/Inhibition, and Sociosexuality. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2024:10.1007/s10508-024-02895-5. [PMID: 38890227 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-024-02895-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
The present study sought to investigate sex and sexual orientation differences in several traits related to sexuality and sexual behavior. Examining sexual orientation differences alongside basic sex differences to help identify correlates of sexual orientation diversity, and whether individuals with varying degrees of same-sex attraction show concurrent sex-atypical shifts in other domains. Males tend to score higher than females in the Dark Triad (DT) traits of sub-clinical narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. Similarly, females tend to be more cautious than males in their attitudes and desires toward casual sex activity (i.e., sociosexuality). These sex differences may be related to the propensity for individuals to become easily sexually excited, which is higher in males, or to instead inhibit sexual arousal, which is higher in females. In a large undergraduate sample (N = 2047), we replicated expected sex differences in DT traits, sociosexuality, and sexual excitation/inhibition. We found that non-heterosexual females were "male-shifted" in some of these traits, but these shifts tended to be strongest among mostly heterosexual and bisexual individuals. Furthermore, we found that within-sex variation in sociosexuality, sexual excitation, and sexual inhibition was not related to sexual orientation in a linear fashion. Instead, sociosexuality and sexual excitation were related to sexual orientation in a curvilinear (inverted-U) fashion, especially among females. The fact that traits correlated with bisexuality and homosexuality were somewhat distinct is consistent with the idea that different developmental pathways may lead to these discrete sexual attraction patterns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott W Semenyna
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University, City Centre Campus, 10700 104 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4S2, Canada.
| | - Paul L Vasey
- Department of Psychology, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB, Canada
| | - P Lynne Honey
- Department of Psychology, MacEwan University, City Centre Campus, 10700 104 Avenue, Edmonton, AB, T5J 4S2, Canada
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3
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Scholz DD, Zimmermann J, Moshagen M, Zettler I, Hilbig BE. Theoretical and Empirical Integration of "Dark" Traits and Socially Aversive Personality Psychopathology. J Pers Disord 2024; 38:241-267. [PMID: 38857161 DOI: 10.1521/pedi.2024.38.3.241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2024]
Abstract
Conceptual work integrating constructs from mainstream personality research (especially so-called "dark" traits) and clinical psychopathology research has been limited. Herein, we propose all socially and/or ethically aversive traits as "flavored" manifestations of the D factor of personality (D). We argue that the D framework provides the commonality of all aversive traits, including the aversive traits from the DSM-5 Alternative Model for Personality Disorders (AMPD), a more thorough theoretical foundation. Moreover, D covers aspects that are not captured by any of the aversive AMPD traits directly (e.g., greed), thus offering indications for possible expansions to the AMPD. We tested our predictions in two online studies (N = 1,781 and N = 2,006) using quota-representative samples of the German population regarding age and gender. Twelve aversive traits from mainstream personality research and eight aversive AMPD traits were assessed together with consequential behavior in an economic game. Analyses using structural equation modeling overall confirmed predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- David D Scholz
- Department of Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), Germany
| | | | - Morten Moshagen
- Institute of Psychology and Education, University of Ulm, Germany
| | - Ingo Zettler
- Department of Psychology and Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science (SODAS), both at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benjamin E Hilbig
- Department of Psychology, University of Kaiserslautern-Landau (RPTU), Germany
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Sun J, Smillie LD. Why moral psychology needs personality psychology. J Pers 2024; 92:653-665. [PMID: 38450583 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
People vary in how they perceive, think about, and respond to moral issues. Clearly, we cannot fully understand the psychology of morality without accounting for individual differences in moral functioning. But decades of neglect of and explicit skepticism toward such individual differences has resulted in a lack of integration between moral psychology and personality psychology-the study of psychological differences between people. In recent years, these barriers to progress have started to break down. This special issue aims to celebrate and further increase the visibility of the personality psychology of morality. Here, we introduce the articles in this special issue by highlighting some important contributions a personality-based perspective has to offer moral psychology-particularly in comparison to the currently prominent social psychological approach. We show that personality psychology is well-placed to (a) contribute toward a rigorous empirical foundation for moral psychology, (b) tackle the conceptualization and assessment of stable moral tendencies, (c) assess the predictive validity of moral traits in relation to consequential outcomes, (d) uncover the mechanisms underlying individual differences in moral judgments and behavior, and (e) provide insights into moral development. For these reasons, we believe that moral psychology needs personality psychology to reach its full scholarly potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessie Sun
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Luke D Smillie
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Rose L, Lynam DR, Miller JD. Measuring the "Dark" Triad: Comparing the Five-Factor Model Antagonistic Triad Measure to Other Commonly Used Self-Report Instruments. Assessment 2024; 31:863-874. [PMID: 37548360 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231190097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
The "Dark" Triad (DT) refers to three personality constructs with ties to socially aversive behaviors: psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism. These constructs are commonly assessed via omnibus self-report inventories such as the Short Dark Triad (SD3) or the Dirty Dozen. Alternatively, researchers wishing to measure "dark" traits can compile stand-alone measures of each construct. Recently, the Five Factor Model Antagonistic Triad Measure (FFM ATM) was developed, which measures the DT from the perspective of the widely used Five Factor Model of personality. Initial validation studies indicated that the FFM ATM addresses common concerns with other omnibus inventories (e.g., allows for multifaceted examination of DT constructs). The current study tested the FFM ATM in relation to these other methods of measuring the DT (i.e., omnibus inventories and combinations of single-construct measures). Across three tests of validity (i.e., nomological network analysis, intraclass correlations, and incremental validity analyses), the FFM ATM showed favorable results and outperformed other measures of the DT.
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Bernabei L, Silvestrini C, Grimaldi LA, Piserchia V, Riggio F, Marino G, Valente D, Pompili E. Psychometric properties of the Quiet Ego Scale (iQES) within the Italian cultural context. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1348965. [PMID: 38784627 PMCID: PMC11112566 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1348965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The quiet ego indicates a more compassionate conception of self-identity that integrates others into the self by lowering the intensity of the ego and enhancing the awareness of the present moment. The Quiet Ego Scale (QES) is a 14-item self-report measure of quiet ego, and it is composed of the following four psychological domains: detached awareness, inclusive identity, perspective taking, and growth. The present study aimed to test the psychometric properties of the Quiet Ego Scale within the Italian cultural context (iQES). Methods A total of 160 Italian university students aged between 20 and 42 years, with a mean age of 22.85 years (SD = 3.41), completed the measures of the iQES and of other psychological dimensions. The psychometrics properties of iQES were assessed based on its internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and construct validity through comparisons with other correlated psychological measures. Results Analyses confirmed the psychometrics properties of iQES. As in previous studies, the quiet ego was positively associated with the indicators of resilience (p < 0.01), happiness (p < 0.05), self-esteem (p < 0.01), and psychological wellbeing (p < 0.01). Discussion The study discussed the possible uses of the iQES in the field of mental health, specifically focusing on improving adherence to psychological therapies and enhancing psychological and social well-being. The results indicated strong psychometric properties of the iQES in measuring the quiet ego construct. Our findings enrich the literature on the validity of the iQES and highlight the multidimensional nature of the quiet ego construct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bernabei
- Human Neuroscience Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Mental Health Department and Addiction, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 5, Colleferro, Italy
| | - Cristiana Silvestrini
- Mental Health Centre Tivoli, Mental Health Department and Addiction, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 5, Tivoli, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Piserchia
- Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Department and Addiction, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 5, Colleferro, Italy
| | - Francesco Riggio
- Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Mental Health Department and Addiction, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 5, Colleferro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Marino
- Psychiatric Service of Diagnosis and Treatment, Mental Health Department and Addiction, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 5, Colleferro, Italy
| | - Donatella Valente
- Human Neuroscience Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Pompili
- Human Neuroscience Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Mental Health Centre, Mental Health Department and Addiction, Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 5, Colleferro, Italy
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Boman B. The Gray Nine and Parallel Personality Patterns: Big Five, Dark Tetrad, and a "Well-Rounded Personality". Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2024:10.1007/s12124-024-09842-y. [PMID: 38703264 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-024-09842-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
The vast literature on personality psychology generally focuses on neutral or socially beneficial personality traits such as the Five-Factor model (e.g., agreeableness, conscientiousness) or "dark" traits such as Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and everyday sadism. However, the current synthesis of the literature indicates that the distinction between benign, malign, and neutral personality traits and facets is partly misguided. In fact, there are many objective and subjective measures that indicate that high agreeableness is not beneficial, while moderate grandiose narcissism is. Many, if not all of the traits are rather gray and socially and personally desired outcomes indicate that people who aim for a well-rounded personality should typically be clustered in the middle of the various personality spectrums. In addition, many of the personality traits are characterized by parallel patterns of good/bad relations to social and personal outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Björn Boman
- Stockholm University, 114 19, Stockholm, Sweden.
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8
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Furnham A, Cuppello S. Correlates of the Dark Tetrad. Acta Psychol (Amst) 2024; 245:104222. [PMID: 38502994 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2024.104222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study explored demographic, ideological, self-rating and personality traits correlates of the Dark Tetrad (DT4) which measures Narcissism (Special), Machiavellianism (Crafty), Psychopathy (Wild), and Sadism (Mean) traits. In total, 447 adults completed three tests: a bright-side, work-related, personality test (HPTI: High Performance Type Indicator), a dark-side test (Short Dark Tetrad) and a number of self-ratings. Correlations and regressions showed that all four dark traits were associated with low Adjustment (Neuroticism), but also with high Risk-Taking and Competitiveness (low Agreeableness). The various measures accounted for a third of the variance in explaining the Mean (Sadistic) score, and 40 % for Special (Narcissism). Trait Competitiveness was most closely associated with all four dark traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrian Furnham
- Department of Leadership and Organizational Behaviour, Norwegian Business School, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Stephen Cuppello
- Department of Psychology, City University London, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Thomas International, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
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9
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Ubaradka A, Khanganba SP. The differential effect of psychopathy on active and bystander trolling behaviors: the role of dark tetrad traits and lower agreeableness. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9905. [PMID: 38688968 PMCID: PMC11061140 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-60203-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to develop the Global Assessment of Active Trolling and Passive Bystanderism (GAATPB) scale and investigate the influence of personality traits on trolling behaviors. Focusing on the Dark Tetrad (DT) traits and agreeableness, the present study examined their associations and predictive utility on active trolling and passive bystanderism. Participants were recruited from social networking sites (SNSs), and eligibility criteria included active SNS usage and engagement in online interactions. A total of 797 healthy adult students participated in the study, with data from 300 used for the initial exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and the remaining 497 (Mage = 22.25 years, SD = 3.37) for the subsequent analyses. Results indicated a significant correlation between DT traits and agreeableness across both active trolling and passive bystanderism, revealing a shared personality profile. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses showed that narcissism, Machiavellianism, and trait sadism were predictors of active trolling, with psychopathy being the strongest predictor. However, psychopathy did not emerge as a predictor for passive bystanderism. The study also highlighted that DT traits mediated the relationship between lower agreeableness and overall trolling behavior, suggesting that trolling manifests from lower agreeableness through the instigation of callous-unemotional, manipulative, and self-centered traits inherent in DT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anantha Ubaradka
- Human Factors and Applied Cognition Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, 453552, India
- Discipline of Psychology, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, 453552, India
| | - Sanjram Premjit Khanganba
- Human Factors and Applied Cognition Lab, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, 453552, India.
- Discipline of Psychology, Indian Institute of Technology Indore, Indore, 453552, India.
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10
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Zlatkovic A, Gojkovic V, Dostanic J, Djuric V. Structure of resilience: A Machiavellian contribution or 'paddle your own canoe'. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302257. [PMID: 38683821 PMCID: PMC11057725 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
According to biobehavioral synchronicity model, empathy-a fundamental requirement for reciprocal and prosocial behavior-is at the core of rebound from stress, an essential feature of resilience. However, there are also reports on antagonistic traits-characterized by empathic deficit-bolstering immunity to stress. In the literature there is also inconclusive evidence regarding gender-related differences in resilience. In separate female and male subsamples we analyzed the network constellation entailing resilience (assessed as rebound from stress), empathic (cognitive empathy, affective resonance, and affective dissonance) and antagonistic personality traits (Machiavellianism, grandiose- and vulnerable narcissism). For both genders, Machiavellian agency instigated by narcissistic admiration occupied the central position in the network indicating that personality's resources for proactivity and control are essential for successful rebound. Empathy, and in particular its affective component, occupied only a peripheral position in the network. Machiavellian antagonism in men and grandiose narcissism in females bridged prosocial mechanism of resilience with antagonistic nodes of the network. In the female subsample both types of malign narcissism (rivalry and vulnerable narcissism) directly thwarted rebound. This process was not detected in the male subsample network dominated by antagonism. That is, gender-related differences were associated with the avoidance strategies rather than with the proactive strategies. Thus, resilience assessed as rebounding from stress primarily involves personality resources which modulate proactive- and prosocial- but not necessarily reciprocal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Zlatkovic
- Faculty of Legal and Business Studies, Department of Psychology, Dr Lazar Vrkatić, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Vesna Gojkovic
- Faculty of Legal and Business Studies, Department of Psychology, Dr Lazar Vrkatić, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Jelena Dostanic
- Faculty of Legal and Business Studies, Department of Psychology, Dr Lazar Vrkatić, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Veljko Djuric
- Faculty of Legal and Business Studies, Department of Psychology, Dr Lazar Vrkatić, Novi Sad, Serbia
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11
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Wells DL, Treacy KR. Pet attachment and owner personality. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1406590. [PMID: 38736622 PMCID: PMC11082317 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1406590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Research points to a relationship between owner personality and strength of attachment to one's pet, with implications for psychological health. So far, studies in this area, albeit sparse, have focused on the 'Big Five' traits of owner personality. The 'Dark Triad' is a cluster of traits that has also been linked to emotional deficits, but has been overlooked in relation to pet attachment. This study therefore examined the association between owner personality and pet attachment, focusing on both the 'Big Five' and 'Dark Triad' traits of personality. Methods A cross-sectional design was employed to collect quantitative data from dog and cat owners across the globe between May-June 2023. A purpose-designed online survey collected sociodemographic details, along with information on pet ownership, strength of the pet-owner bond and participant personality, assessed using the Big Five personality scale and the Short Dark Triad scale. The survey was fully completed by 759 dog and 179 cat owners. Results Analysis revealed significant correlations between many of the participants' personality traits, both within and between scales. Strength of pet attachment was positively correlated with neuroticism and conscientiousness, and, more weakly, to Machiavellianism. Regression analysis revealed that females, dog owners, people over the age of 50 and individuals who had children under 18 years to care for were more strongly attached to their pets than others. Both neuroticism and conscientiousness were found to be significant predictors of participants' pet attachment scores. None of the Dark Triad traits significantly predicted the criterion. Discussion This study points to a relationship between strength of attachment to one's pet and owner personality, at least as measured using the Big Five approach to personality assessment. There was little to support an association between the Dark Triad traits and strength of attachment to one's pet, although the link between these characteristics and attachment styles is still unknown. The investigation lends support for the idea that high attachment levels are associated with personality traits aligned to psychological ill-health. Further work is recommended in this area, with a greater focus on both strength and quality (e.g., attachment style) of the pet-owner bond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deborah L. Wells
- Animal Behaviour Centre, School of Psychology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
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12
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He Q, Tong W, Yu Y, Zhang J. Marital quality improves self- and partner-reported psychopathy among Chinese couples: A longitudinal study. J Pers 2024; 92:515-529. [PMID: 37170058 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychopathy is closely related to many negative interpersonal outcomes in daily life, including violence. Therefore, psychopathy intervention in subclinical individuals has significant application value. OBJECTIVE Guided by the personality-relationship transaction model and social investment theory, this study examined how marital quality affects self- and partner-rated psychopathy. We also used the actor-partner interdependence mediation model to explore the mediating effect of communication. METHODS We examined self-reports and partner reports of psychopathy, marital quality, and communication among 260 married Chinese couples. RESULTS The results indicated that marital quality directly influenced couples' self-rated psychopathy, with both actor and partner effects on husbands' psychopathy and actor effects on wives' psychopathy. Moreover, verbal communication had mediating effects at time 2 between marital quality at time 1 and partner-reported psychopathy at time 3. Meanwhile, the mediating effect of nonverbal communication was not significant. CONCLUSION Our investigation of relationship effects on psychopathy revealed that the underlying mechanisms differed between self- and partner-rated psychopathy. The findings can highlight directions for exploring potential intervention strategies for subclinical psychopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong He
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Tong
- Department of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Yu
- School of Sociology, China University of Political Science and Law, Beijing, China
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxin Zhang
- Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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13
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Horsten LK, Thielmann I, Moshagen M, Zettler I, Scholz D, Hilbig BE. Testing the equivalence of the aversive core of personality and a blend of agreeableness(-related) items. J Pers 2024; 92:393-404. [PMID: 36938753 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is an ongoing debate in personality research whether the common core of aversive ("dark") traits can be approximated by or even considered equivalent to one of the constructs that have been labeled "Agreeableness". In particular, it has been suggested that the low pole of (what we term) AG+, a broad blend of Big Five Agreeableness and the HEXACO factors Honesty-Humility, Agreeableness, and Altruism, is essentially equivalent to the Dark Factor of Personality (D). Based on theoretical differences, we herein test empirically whether D and AG+ are isomorphic. METHODS Self-report data on D, AG+, and eight criterion measures reflecting justifying beliefs, inflicting disutility on others, and affiliative tendencies were collected in a pre-registered study (N = 1156) and analyzed via confirmatory factor modeling. RESULTS Results speak against unity of D and AG+ (35% shared variance) and support the notion that D subsumes a broader range of aversive content (i.e., justifying beliefs and inflicting disutility on others) than AG+, which, in turn, subsumes a slightly broader range of non-aversive, affiliative tendencies. CONCLUSION We conclude that AG+ is non-equivalent to the common core of aversive traits, D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa K Horsten
- Department of Psychology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Isabel Thielmann
- Department of Criminology, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | | | - Ingo Zettler
- Institut for Psykologi, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - David Scholz
- Department of Psychology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
| | - Benjamin E Hilbig
- Department of Psychology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Landau, Germany
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14
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Kay CS, Dimakis S. Moral Foundations Partially Explain the Associations of Machiavellianism, Grandiose Narcissism, and Psychopathy With Homonegativity and Transnegativity. JOURNAL OF HOMOSEXUALITY 2024; 71:775-802. [PMID: 36282082 DOI: 10.1080/00918369.2022.2132576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
People with antagonistic (or "dark") personality traits (e.g., Machiavellianism, grandiose narcissism, and psychopathy) are reportedly more racist, sexist, and xenophobic than their non-antagonistic counterparts. In the present studies (N1 = 709; N2 = 267), we examined whether people with antagonistic personality traits are also more likely to express homonegative and transnegative attitudes, and, if so, whether this can be explained by their endorsement of the moral foundations. We found that people high in Machiavellianism, grandiose narcissism, and psychopathy are more likely to endorse homonegative and transnegative views. The associations of Machiavellianism and psychopathy with homonegativity and transnegativity were primarily explained by low endorsement of individualizing moral foundations (i.e., care and fairness), while the association of narcissism with these beliefs was primarily explained by high endorsement of the binding moral foundations (i.e., loyalty, authority, and purity). These findings provide insight into the types of people who harbor homonegative and transnegative attitudes, and how differences in moral foundations contribute to these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cameron S Kay
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
| | - Sarah Dimakis
- Department of Psychology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon, USA
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Gómez-Leal R, Fernández-Berrocal P, Gutiérrez-Cobo MJ, Cabello R, Megías-Robles A. The Dark Tetrad: analysis of profiles and relationship with the Big Five personality factors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4443. [PMID: 38396168 PMCID: PMC10891063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Dark Tetrad (DT) is composed of the traits of Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Sadism. Most studies analyzing the DT have employed a variable-centered approach, analyzing the traits separately. In the present study, we treat DT as a whole, adopting a person-centered approach. We analyzed different homogeneous subgroups of individuals characterized by specific DT profiles, aiming to examine their relationship with Big Five personality factors. A sample of 1149 participants (50.1% women, 18-79 years) completed The Short Dark Triad and the Assessment of Sadistic Personality instrument to assess DT, while the Mini-IPIP was used to assess the Big Five personality factors. Cluster analysis yielded five groups: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Mean DT, Low DT, and High DT group. The main results showed that the High DT group was distinguished by higher levels of extraversion and lower levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness (compared with the Low DT group). Moreover, the Narcissism group was characterized by higher scores on emotional stability, openness to experience, and extraversion. Finally, distribution according to gender varied across DT groups (more men than women in the High DT group and the opposite in the Low DT group). Limitations and future lines of research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Gómez-Leal
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Campus Teatinos, S/N, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | | | | | - Rosario Cabello
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Campus Teatinos, S/N, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alberto Megías-Robles
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Campus Teatinos, S/N, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
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Schokkenbroek JM, Hauspie T, Ponnet K, Hardyns W. Malevolent Monitoring: Dark Triad Traits, Cyber Dating Abuse, and the Instrumental Role of Self-Control. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2024:8862605241233263. [PMID: 38389320 DOI: 10.1177/08862605241233263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Cyber dating abuse (CDA) concerns the use of digital technology to control, monitor, and hurt one's intimate partner. CDA can have profound detrimental outcomes, such as mental health problems. As such, it is important to identify intrapersonal factors that may explain these behaviors. Previous research suggests that one such factor is the personality cluster of Dark Triad traits (DTT), comprising Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Additionally, DTT and CDA perpetration have both been linked to poor self-control ability, but these relationships have not yet been tested together in one model. As such, the present study examines if individuals' poor self-control ability mediates the relationship between the DTT and CDA perpetration. To test these associations, we conducted a survey study among a representative sample of Belgian adults (n = 1,144; Mage = 47.66 years; 51.3% female). Findings from correlation analyses revealed that all three DTT were individually associated with CDA perpetration, such that higher scores on these traits corresponded with more CDA perpetration. Additionally, pathway analyses from structural equation modeling revealed that individuals' poor self-control ability fully explained the relationship between Machiavellianism and narcissism and CDA perpetration, and partially explained the relationship between psychopathy and CDA perpetration. As our findings suggest that self-control plays an instrumental role in explaining why individuals control and monitor their partner via digital technology, prevention and intervention efforts should seek ways to improve individuals' self-control ability in situations that may trigger such harmful interpersonal behaviors, particularly among individuals who exhibit Dark Triad personality traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janneke M Schokkenbroek
- IMEC-MICT, Department of Communication Sciences, Faculty of Political & Social Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
- IRCP, Department of Criminology, Criminal Law & Social Law, Faculty of Law & Criminology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Thijs Hauspie
- IRCP, Department of Criminology, Criminal Law & Social Law, Faculty of Law & Criminology, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Koen Ponnet
- IMEC-MICT, Department of Communication Sciences, Faculty of Political & Social Sciences, Ghent University, Belgium
| | - Wim Hardyns
- IRCP, Department of Criminology, Criminal Law & Social Law, Faculty of Law & Criminology, Ghent University, Belgium
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Antwerp University, Belgium
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Hall BT, Lambert JT, Wahlers D, Hart W. Coworkers Behaving Badly: How the Dark Triad Influences Responses to Witnessing Workplace Misconduct. Psychol Rep 2024:332941241234594. [PMID: 38369515 DOI: 10.1177/00332941241234594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
The "bad-begets-bad" phenomenon describes how witnessed or perceived misconduct in an organization promotes mental states and behavior that encourage further misconduct. Based in two perspectives on how the Dark Triad (DT) constructs (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) differentiate, we proposed their roles in contributing to the bad-begets-bad phenomenon. A convenience sample of college students (N = 454) completed an online study in which they read vignettes depicting workplace misconduct wherein a reporting incentive was (incentive condition) or was not (no-incentive condition) offered. Subsequently, they reported their likelihood of possessing mental states (e.g., goals) and engaging in behavior broadly reflective of the bad-begets-bad phenomenon. Lastly, they completed the Short Dark Triad (SD3) questionnaire to assess narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. We used a series of step-wise regression models to analyze the data. Consistent with the "malicious two" perspective on the DT, only Machiavellianism and psychopathy consistently predicted mental states and behavior reflective of the bad-begets-bad phenomenon. Also, consistent with the "cautious and adaptable Machiavellian perspective," only Machiavellianism interacted with the incentive condition to influence people's willingness to report misconduct (i.e., not further promote misconduct). Broadly, the data contribute to understanding the role of the DT in organizational settings and support two perspectives on how the DT should operate in the context of witnessing workplace misconduct.
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Affiliation(s)
- Braden T Hall
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Joshua T Lambert
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - Danielle Wahlers
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
| | - William Hart
- Department of Psychology, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, USA
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Ramos-Vera C, García O’Diana A, Calle D, Basauri-Delgado M, Bonfá-Araujo B, Lima-Costa AR, Duradoni M, Nasir S, Calizaya-Milla YE, Saintila J. A Network Analysis Approach to Understanding Centrality and Overlap of 21 Dark Triad Items in Adults of 10 Countries. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2024; 17:467-483. [PMID: 38371713 PMCID: PMC10870934 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s435871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Previous research has suggested that manipulation and callousness are central to Dark Triad traits, but it has not identified which specific manifestations are expressed across various countries. Objective This study aimed to identify the core and overlapping manifestations of Dark Triad traits across 10 countries. Methods We used the Short Dark Triad (SD3) scale and assessed a sample of 8093 participants (59.7% women, M(age) = 32.68 years). For graphical representation, the spinglass algorithm was applied to understand the cluster distribution among Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and subclinical narcissism traits. Centrality indices were used to identify the most influential items, and the clique-percolation algorithm was employed to detect shared attributes among multiple Dark Triad items. Results Straightforward SD3-21 items demonstrated better interpretability as aversive traits within the broader system. Items with higher centrality values were those related to short-term verbal manipulation from the psychopathy domain, clever manipulation, strategic revenge-seeking from Machiavellianism, and narcissistic motivations for connecting with significant individuals. The most predicted items were linked to planned revenge, using information against others from Machiavellianism, short-term psychopathic verbal manipulation, and narcissistic belief of specialness based on external validation. Items like short-term verbal manipulation had overlaps with both psychopathy and narcissism clusters, while clever manipulation overlapped with Machiavellianism and psychopathy. Conclusion This cross-cultural study highlights the central role of verbal manipulation within the Dark Triad traits, along with identifying overlapping items among traits measured using straightforward SD3 scale items. In line with our findings, future research that incorporates a wide range of cultural contexts is encouraged to establish the consistency of these findings with the SD3 Scale or alternative measures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dennis Calle
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad César Vallejo, Lima, Peru
| | | | - Bruno Bonfá-Araujo
- Faculty of Social Science, the University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | | | - Mirko Duradoni
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Shagufta Nasir
- Department of Psychiatry and Forensic Medicine, School of Medicine, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Wertag A, Ribar M, Sučić I. A look through dark-colored glasses: The Dark Tetrad and affective processing. Scand J Psychol 2024; 65:26-31. [PMID: 37464474 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023]
Abstract
The Dark Tetrad personality traits (i.e., narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism) have been continuously linked to various deficits in affective reactivity. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship of the Dark Tetrad and processing of emotional pictures. A total of 144 participants (56.9% female, Mage = 22.18, SDage = 2.26) completed measures of the Dark Tetrad, and rated pictures selected form the International Affective Picture System (IAPS), classified in accordance with their norms into highly arousing positive and negative. Affective processing measures included participants' valence and arousal ratings, while cognitive processing was measured my means of the response latency for each response. The results showed that the dark traits were related only to valence, but not arousal ratings. Higher narcissism and lower sadism were associated with more positive valence ratings of positive pictures, and higher sadism was associated with more positive ratings of negative pictures. Moreover, higher Machiavellianism predicted faster assessment of valence and arousal of both positive and negative pictures, and higher sadism predicted slower assessment of negative pictures' valence. Obtained results indicate that deficiencies in affective processing are more pronounced in sadism compared to other dark traits, while Machiavellianism is associated with advantages in cognitive processing, highlighting their significance and uniqueness in the Dark Tetrad constellation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wertag
- Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Maja Ribar
- Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ines Sučić
- Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia
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20
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Hashemian SS, Golshani S, Firoozabadi K, Firoozabadi A, Fichter C, Dürsteler KM, Brühl AB, Khazaie H, Brand S. 2D:4D-ratios among individuals with amphetamine use disorder, antisocial personality disorder and with both amphetamine use disorder and antisocial personality disorder. J Psychiatr Res 2024; 170:81-89. [PMID: 38113678 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is sufficient evidence that the index-finger-to-ring-finger-ratio (2D:4D-ratio) is associated with testosterone and estrogen exposure during the fetal stage. More specifically, a lower 2D:4D-ratio (that is; a shorter index finger, compared to a longer ring finger) was associated with a prenatally higher testosterone and lower estrogen exposure during the first trimester of the fetal stage. At a behavioral level, among adults, a lower 2D:4D-ratio was associated with a higher competitive performance among both female and male professional athletes, and with personality traits such as higher scores for mental toughness, dark triad traits, and aggressive behavior, and internet use disorder. Here, we tested, if 2D:4D-ratios differed among three clinical samples of individuals with amphetamine use disorder (AUD), antisocial personality disorder (ASPD), or both AUD and ASPD (AUD + ASPD), and when compared to healthy controls. METHOD The sample consisted of 44 individuals (mean age: 32.95 years; 22.7% females) diagnosed either with AUD (n = 25), ASPD (n = 10) or both AUD + ASPD (n = 9), and of 36 healthy controls (mean age: 23.28; 25% females). After a thorough clinical assessment, participants provided the scans of their right-hand palm to measure the lengths of their index finger and ring finger. Further, participants with AUD, ASPD and both AUD + ASPD completed a series of self-rating questionnaires on Dark Triad traits, narcissism sensitivity, and intolerance of uncertainty. RESULTS Compared to healthy controls, participants with AUD, ASPD, or AUD + ASPD showed statistically significantly lower 2D:4D-ratios. Participants with AUD + ASPD showed statistically significantly lowest 2D:4D-ratios, compared to participants with AUD and compared to healthy controls. For the clinical sample, a lower 2D:4D-ratio was associated with higher Dark Triad traits. 2D:4D-ratios were unrelated to narcissism sensitivity or intolerance of uncertainty. Higher scores for Dark Triad traits were associated with higher scores for narcissism sensitivity and intolerance of uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS Compared to healthy controls, individuals with amphetamine use disorder and concomitant antisocial personality disorder (AUD + ASPD) appeared to have been exposed to particularly high prenatal testosterone and particularly low estrogen concentrations, which, at a behavioral level, might have led to a fast life history for immediate resource acquisition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Sepehr Hashemian
- Centre de Recherche Charles-Le Moyne, Longueuil, Québec, Canada; Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Longueuil, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Kimia Firoozabadi
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, UCL Medical School, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ali Firoozabadi
- Research Center for Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Department of Psychiatry, Hafez Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Christian Fichter
- Department of Psychology, Kalaidos Private University of Applied Sciences, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Kenneth M Dürsteler
- Psychiatric Clinics, Division of Substance Use Disorders, University of Basel, 4002, Basel, Switzerland; Center for Addictive Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8001, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Annette B Brühl
- Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders (ZASS), Psychiatric University Hospital Basel, 4002, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Habibolah Khazaie
- Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran
| | - Serge Brand
- Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Center for Affective, Stress and Sleep Disorders (ZASS), Psychiatric University Hospital Basel, 4002, Basel, Switzerland; Sleep Disorders Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran; Department of Sport, Exercise and Health, Division of Sport Science and Psychosocial Health, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland; School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Center for Disaster Psychiatry and Disaster Psychology, Psychiatric University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland; Center of Competence for Military and Disaster Medicine of the Swiss Armed Forces, Switzerland.
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21
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Schulze J, Heinrich M, Freudenstein JP, Schäpers P, Krumm S. Uncovering Hidden Framings in Dark Triad Self-Ratings: What Frames-of-Reference Do People Use When Responding to Generic Dark Triad Items? Assessment 2024:10731911231220357. [PMID: 38284352 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231220357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
In typical Dark Triad (DT) questionnaires, generic items oftentimes refer to "others" or "people" in general. Hence, respondents have to mentally aggregate their behavior across several kinds of "others" (e.g., work colleagues, family members, and friends). It remains unknown if individuals consider different kinds of interaction partners equally or if their self-reports contain "hidden" interaction partner-specific tendencies. To shed light on this issue, we assessed generic and contextualized DT items (referring to family, friends, work, and strangers; N = 814 from the general population). The correlated trait-correlated (method - 1) model was used to investigate preregistered research questions. On average, generic DT items showed the strongest association with work-contextualized DT items and the weakest association with family-contextualized DT items. However, the associations varied considerably across DT items and traits. In sum, our results suggest that hidden framings exist in some DT items, which may impact their ability to predict relevant criteria due to contextual (a)symmetries. The generalizability of the findings to other DT instruments, items, and participant groups should be examined in future research.
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22
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Myznikov A, Korotkov A, Zheltyakova M, Kiselev V, Masharipov R, Bursov K, Yagmurov O, Votinov M, Cherednichenko D, Didur M, Kireev M. Dark triad personality traits are associated with decreased grey matter volumes in 'social brain' structures. Front Psychol 2024; 14:1326946. [PMID: 38282838 PMCID: PMC10811166 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1326946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Personality traits and the degree of their prominence determine various aspects of social interactions. Some of the most socially relevant traits constitute the Dark Triad - narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism - associated with antisocial behaviour, disregard for moral norms, and a tendency to manipulation. Sufficient data point at the existence of Dark Triad 'profiles' distinguished by trait prominence. Currently, neuroimaging studies have mainly concentrated on the neuroanatomy of individual dark traits, while the Dark Triad profile structure has been mostly overlooked. Methods We performed a clustering analysis of the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad questionnaire scores of 129 healthy subjects using the k-means method. The variance ratio criterion (VRC) was used to determine the optimal number of clusters for the current data. The two-sample t-test within the framework of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was performed to test the hypothesised differences in grey matter volume (GMV) for the obtained groups. Results Clustering analysis revealed 2 groups of subjects, both with low-to-mid and mid-to-high levels of Dark Triad traits prominence. A further VBM analysis of these groups showed that a higher level of Dark Triad traits may manifest itself in decreased grey matter volumes in the areas related to emotional regulation (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the cingulate cortex), as well as those included in the reward system (the ventral striatum, the orbitofrontal cortex). Discussion The obtained results shed light on the neurobiological basis underlying social interactions associated with the Dark Triad and its profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Myznikov
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Korotkov
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maya Zheltyakova
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Vladimir Kiselev
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ruslan Masharipov
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Kirill Bursov
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Orazmurad Yagmurov
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Mikhail Votinov
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Denis Cherednichenko
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Michael Didur
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Maxim Kireev
- Russian Academy of Science, N.P. Bechtereva Institute of Human Brain, Saint Petersburg, Russia
- Saint Petersburg State University, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Costa R, Fávero M, Moreira D, Del Campo A, Sousa-Gomes V. Is the link between the Dark Tetrad and the acceptance of sexual violence mediated by sexual machismo? Aggress Behav 2024; 50:e22116. [PMID: 37769036 DOI: 10.1002/ab.22116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have established relationships between the Dark Tetrad traits and sexual violence and its acceptance through myths about this type of violence. Sexual violence is positively associated with machismo, with sexist beliefs having been found to be linked with the Dark Tetrad and with the acceptance of sexual violence. Using a community sample comprising 362 adults between the ages of 18 and 70 (M = 35.6, SD = 14.3) and three self-report measures, this cross-sectional study aimed to explore the mediating role of sexual machismo in the relationship between each of the Dark Tetrad traits and the acceptance of sexual violence, both in the overall sample and by gender, as well as whether a significant variance in this acceptance is explained by the "dark" traits, sexual machismo, and gender. In the regression, sexual machismo (the male) gender, and only Machiavellianism were uniquely associated with the acceptance of sexual violence, and sexual machismo partially mediated the associations between the Dark Tetrad and the acceptance of sexual violence. These findings indicate that being male and higher in sexism is more closely linked with the acceptance of sexual violence than most Dark Tetrad traits. Moreover, the associations between the Dark Tetrad, sexual machismo, and the acceptance of sexual violence were stronger in men, consistent with the notion that these traits facilitate a "male" exploitive mating strategy, which likely also extends to victim-blaming and positive attitudes about sexual violence more broadly. Lastly, the results emphasize the pervasiveness of beliefs about male superiority over women and its relationship with victim-blaming even in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Costa
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
| | - Marisalva Fávero
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
- Justice and Governance Research Center of the Law School (JusGov), University of Minho (UM), Braga, Portugal
| | - Diana Moreira
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Centre for Philosophical and Humanistic Studies, Faculty of Philosophy and Social Sciences, Universidade Católica Portuguesa, Braga, Portugal
| | | | - Valéria Sousa-Gomes
- Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, University of Maia, Maia, Portugal
- Justice and Governance Research Center of the Law School (JusGov), University of Minho (UM), Braga, Portugal
- Institute of Psychology and Neuropsychology of Porto-IPNP, Porto, Portugal
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Packer West M, Miller JD, Lynam DR. Comparing Brief Measures of Narcissism-Internal Consistency, Validity, and Coverage. J Pers Assess 2024; 106:83-99. [PMID: 36919411 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2023.2183863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Many measures, varying in breadth and length, have been constructed to measure narcissism. In recent years, super-short forms have become popular in research settings. Although brief measures hold some advantages, their brevity can come at psychometric costs. Participants recruited from Amazon's Mechanical Turk (N = 473) completed long and brief narcissism measures and criterion measures in a randomized order. Short forms were examined and compared to long forms in terms of their completion times and psychometric properties. Generally, the short forms demonstrated adequate internal consistency, variable convergence with each other, mostly moderate to strong convergence with long forms, and appropriate convergence with external criteria. These findings suggest that some short forms may be used when efficiency of survey administration is particularly important without significant psychometric cost. We discuss the advantages and disadvantages of the brief measures and make recommendations for which to use depending on the priorities of a given study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Packer West
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
| | - Joshua D Miller
- Department of Psychology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Donald R Lynam
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
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25
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Levine RS, Smith K, Wagner NJ. The Impact of Callous-Unemotional Traits on Achievement, Behaviors, and Relationships in School: A Systematic Review. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:1546-1566. [PMID: 35438469 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01344-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) are associated with significant academic, behavioral, and relationship challenges in the school setting. Children with co-occurring DBDs and callous-unemotional (CU) traits show a distinct pattern of early starting, chronic, and aggressive disruptive behavior and are resistant to traditional DBD interventions. There is growing evidence that CU traits have important consequences for children's school functioning. The purpose of this systematic review is to synthesize research on CU traits in school with a focus on academics, relationships, and behavior. We searched PsycINFO, PubMed, and Education Full-Text to identify 37 empirical studies that met inclusionary criteria. Findings suggest that CU traits are associated with poor academic performance, high levels of aggression and conduct problems, and difficulty forming relationships at school, often above and beyond the impact of DBDs alone. Findings and future directions are discussed including how the current study can support key stakeholders in promoting the success of students with elevated CU traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S Levine
- Education Studies, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, Oakland, California, USA
| | - Kelly Smith
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nicholas J Wagner
- Psychological and Brain Sciences, Boston University, 64 Cummington Mall, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
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Rose L, Sleep CE, Lynam DR, Miller JD. Welcome to the Jangle: Comparing the Empirical Profiles of the "Dark" Factor and Antagonism. Assessment 2023; 30:2626-2643. [PMID: 36129155 DOI: 10.1177/10731911221124847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the congruency between the recently introduced Dark Factor of Personality (D) and Antagonism (A; low Agreeableness) from the Five-Factor Model of personality. Using two samples (Ns of 365 and 600), we examined simple zero-order correlations between D and A (rs of .69 and .64). In addition, we used a range of relevant external criteria (e.g., antisocial behavior, aggression, domains and facets of personality, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [DSM] personality disorders [PDs], impulsivity, and political skill) to examine the degree of absolute similarity in the relations that D and A bear to these criteria. These similarity coefficients were then compared with the similarities produced by measures of constructs different from D and A but similar among themselves (i.e., psychopathy and narcissism in both samples, plus depression in Sample 1). The degree of similarity between D and A (rICCs = .96 and .93) is consistent with what is observed between other measures of the same construct. We conclude that D and A yield largely identical empirical correlates and thus likely represents an instance of the jangle fallacy. We believe that future efforts would be better spent furthering the literature around the well-established Agreeableness versus Antagonism construct.
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Colangelo J, Smith A, Buadze A, Liebrenz M. Beyond a Game: A Narrative Review of Psychopathic Traits in Sporting Environments. Sports (Basel) 2023; 11:228. [PMID: 37999445 PMCID: PMC10674364 DOI: 10.3390/sports11110228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
There has been a growing interest around the broader effects of psychopathic traits, particularly in relation to deviant behaviors and the notion of so-called "successful psychopathy". As significant sociocultural touchstones, sporting events are often characterized by competitiveness and a sense of prestige. However, there has been limited attention towards psychopathic traits across recreational, amateur, and elite sports. Accordingly, we conducted a narrative review synthesizing primary observations on this topic, searching keywords in Scopus, APA PsychNet, and PubMed. Twenty-four academic papers were included in our results, which we thematized around demographic groups, namely: athletes and sport-adjacent non-athletes (i.e., coaches and spectators). Based on empirical findings from the reviewed papers, psychopathic traits could have medicolegal and forensic implications in relation to substance use, aggression, and violence. These could intersect with wider issues around doping, cheating, foul play, and have adverse outcomes for fellow participants, team dynamics, and spectators. Interestingly, our review also indicates that psychopathic traits may have correlations with determination and achievement in sport, echoing developing ideas around "successful psychopathy" in other domains. As such, increased awareness from all stakeholders and further multidisciplinary exchanges are vital to better understand the effects of psychopathic traits in sporting frameworks and their wider consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Colangelo
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (A.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Alexander Smith
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (A.S.); (M.L.)
| | - Anna Buadze
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland;
| | - Michael Liebrenz
- Department of Forensic Psychiatry, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (A.S.); (M.L.)
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Postigo Á, García-Fernández J, Cuesta M, Recio P, Barría-González J, Lozano LM. Giving Meaning to the Dark Triad: Comparison of Different Factor Structures of the Dirty Dozen Through Eight Regions of the World. Assessment 2023:10731911231209282. [PMID: 37960852 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231209282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
The traits of the dark triad (narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) capture the individual differences in the aversive personality. The dark triad has shown significant relations with behaviors that affect people's lives. One of the best-known instruments to assess the dark triad is the Dirty Dozen. However, controversy continues over the use of one general dark triad score or, conversely, three different scores. This study aimed to investigate the factor structure of the Dirty Dozen across eight global regions. There were 11,477 participants in 49 countries grouped into eight regions. Different factor structures were studied using confirmatory factor analyses. Both the three-dimensional models and the bifactor models (symmetrical or traditional and non-symmetrical or bifactor-[S - 1]) showed a good fit to the data. The bifactor-(S - 1) models (with psychopathy or Machiavellianism as the reference factors) show adequate fit to the data, supported by the coherence of the factorial loadings and the bifactor indices. Regarding measurement invariance for both models, configural, metric, and scalar invariance were satisfied. The results indicate that it is not clear whether a psychopathy or Machiavellianism reference factor predominates in the Dirty Dozen. For both models, templates are provided to obtain standardized scores for applied researchers in the eight studied world regions until future studies offer a greater amount of validity evidence for this instrument.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Patricia Recio
- Department of Methodology for Behavioral Sciences, National University of Distance Education (UNED), Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Barría-González
- Department of Psychology, University of Oviedo, Spain
- Department of Psychology, University of La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Luis Manuel Lozano
- Department of Methodology for Behavioral Sciences, University of Granada, Spain
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Duradoni M, Gursesli MC, Fiorenza M, Donati A, Guazzini A. Cognitive Empathy and the Dark Triad: A Literature Review. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2642-2680. [PMID: 37998074 PMCID: PMC10670677 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13110184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This literature review aims to analyze studies published by researchers on the topic of the relationship between the psychological constructs of the Dark Triad and Cognitive Empathy. This study hypothesizes how having good cognitive empathic skills could benefit people who demonstrate Dark Triad traits, as this could facilitate the implementation of manipulative strategies. Through the process of identifying studies via databases and registers, 23 studies were included in this literature review, and the results and theories brought forward by the researchers find more agreement regarding the individual components of the Dark Triad than the whole construct: narcissism seems to have, for the most part, relatively small and typical positive correlations (more than 50% of correlations), Machiavellianism has relatively small and typical negative relationships (about 80% of correlations), and psychopathy has relatively large negative relationships (about 90% of correlations). This study conveys that Machiavellians and psychopaths, having reduced empathic abilities, use manipulation techniques that do not have to do with empathy (for example seduction, intimidation etc.), while narcissists would be, among these three dimensions, those most likely to understand others' states of mind and thus be able to use this knowledge to their advantage-although there are doubts about the veracity of the statements and answers given by narcissists in the tests administered to them. This literature review could be a valid aid to professionals dealing with people who exhibit Dark Triad traits; understanding how those exhibiting Dark Triad traits manage their empathic abilities, the areas in which the various dimensions show deficits or not, and how they act to implement their manipulative and controlling tactics could aid in the development of more effective helping strategies to be utilized in therapy settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Duradoni
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Mustafa Can Gursesli
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Fiorenza
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Alessia Donati
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Guazzini
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
- Centre for the Study of Complex Dynamics, University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy
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Papageorgiou KA, Denovan A, Dagnall N, Hill-Artamonova E, Gianniou FM, Papageorgiou S, Plouffe RA, Kowalski CM, Saklofske DH, Kyriazos T, Stalikas A, Costantini G. Grandiose narcissism indirectly associates with lower psychopathology across five countries. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 167:78-85. [PMID: 37856953 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Using five independent non-clinical cross-cultural samples (total N = 3649; overall Mage = 29.31; 31% male and 69% female), this study explored the extent to which Dark Triad traits were indirectly associated with symptoms of psychopathology through mental toughness. Although Machiavellianism and psychopathy have not been studied extensively in this context, previous research (both cross-sectional and longitudinal) reports that grandiose narcissism increases mental toughness contributing indirectly to positive outcomes such as lower anxiety, stress, and depression. Accordingly, this study examined Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism in the context of mental toughness and psychopathology. A particular focus was placed on investigating negative relationships between grandiose narcissism and psychopathology. Participants completed self-report measures assessing the Dark Triad, mental toughness, and psychopathology. In all samples, grandiose narcissism exerted moderate negative, indirect associations with anxiety, stress, and depression through mental toughness. Relationships between Machiavellianism and psychopathy and psychopathology were generally weak and positive but varied across countries. Findings provided further cross-cultural support for a mediation model in which grandiose narcissism is related to higher mental toughness and lower psychopathology. Outcomes from this study indicate that exploration of the link between grandiose narcissism and resilience traits such as mental toughness can provide important conceptual insights into the adaptive properties of narcissism, and help to explain why grandiose narcissism is associated with a decrease in some psychopathological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kostas A Papageorgiou
- School of Psychology, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom; Department of Psychology, Neapolis University Pafos, Pafos, Cyprus.
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Elena Hill-Artamonova
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Rachel A Plouffe
- School of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, University of Dundee, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Theodoros Kyriazos
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece
| | - Anastasios Stalikas
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece
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Roters J, Book A. Using the HEXACO to explain the structure of borderline and psychopathic personality traits. Personal Ment Health 2023; 17:352-362. [PMID: 36990660 DOI: 10.1002/pmh.1584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Research has examined the use of basic personality traits in describing problematic personality traits, such as borderline and psychopathic traits. Specifically, the Honesty-Humility factor of the HEXACO model of personality appears to account for a large proportion of the variance in these traits. The purpose of the present study was to examine whether the HEXACO model would similarly predict borderline traits. As found in previous research, psychopathic traits were predicted by low Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness, whereas borderline traits were found to be negatively related to eXtraversion and Conscientiousness but had a significantly positive relationship with Emotionality. As Emotionality appeared to be a differential predictor in this study, future research should further examine how Emotionality distinguishes between the various problematic personality traits, which may aid potential treatments/therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Angela Book
- Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Ramos-Vera C, Calle D, Calizaya-Milla YE, Saintila J. Network Analysis of Dark Triad Traits and Emotional Intelligence in Peruvian Adults. Psychol Res Behav Manag 2023; 16:4043-4056. [PMID: 37810277 PMCID: PMC10558289 DOI: 10.2147/prbm.s417541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The study of Dark Triad traits and emotional variables has been conducted in numerous regions; however, there is a lack of research focusing on Latin American samples and considering variables such as sex and age. Incorporating these variables could enhance our understanding of underlying aversive patterns. Purpose This study aimed to analyze the associations between Dark Triad traits and emotional intelligence in Peruvian adults. Methods Data were collected in 2021 and 272 adults (M=31.8 years, 68% female) participated through online surveys via non-probability purposive sampling. Dirty Dozen and Trait Meta-Mood Scales were used. Two partial correlation network models were applied between the study variables with and without controlling for gender and age. Bridge-expected influence and predictability analysis were calculated to find interconnected traits and higher connections, respectively. Results Subclinical psychopathy primarily showed negative associations with emotional clarity (r=-0.17), followed by emotional attention (r=-0.08) and emotional repair in networks with and without age and gender variables. Machiavellianism consistently displayed a negative association with emotional repair (r=-0.13) in both estimated networks. Conversely, subclinical narcissism exhibited a positive association solely with emotional attention (r=0.15). Furthermore, younger age was linked to higher Machiavellianism (r=-0.23), females showed higher emotional attention (r=0.11), and narcissism connected intrapersonal emotional domains with Dark Traits (bridge expected influence >1.25) while Machiavellianism exhibited greater predictability (r2>0.45) due to reinforcement by other Dark Traits. Conclusion This study revealed negative connections between the Dark Triad and emotional intelligence traits, except for narcissism, which was positively associated with emotional attention and functioned as a "bridge" between all traits. However, relying solely on this single positive emotional aspect of narcissism may not be adequate to characterize it as possessing fully adaptive emotional traits. Findings suggest that detailed aspects of emotional intelligence and sociodemographic factors can provide valuable insights into the complex nature of aversive patterns and their broader impact on society.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dennis Calle
- Research Area, Universidad Cesar Vallejo (UCV), Lima, Perú
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Gamache D, Maheux-Caron V, Théberge D, Côté A, Rancourt MA, Hétu S, Savard C. Revisiting the vulnerable dark triad hypothesis using a bifactor model. Scand J Psychol 2023; 64:679-692. [PMID: 37096738 DOI: 10.1111/sjop.12921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
Miller et al. (2010) previously suggested that borderline pathology, vulnerable narcissism, and Factor 2 psychopathy share a common "Vulnerable Dark Triad" (VDT) core. The present study (N = 1,023 community participants) aims to test that hypothesis using exploratory and confirmatory bifactor analyses. We found support for a bifactor model that obtained satisfactory fits and other adequate validity indices, which included a general VDT factor and three group factors (Reckless, Entitled, Hiding). The general VDT factor was mostly saturated with borderline symptoms items reflecting self-hatred and worthlessness, which did not form a group factor; these results add to previous research suggesting that features of borderline pathology may represent the core of personality pathology. The three group factors had distinctive relationships with Dark Triad traits, pathological trait domains, and aggression. In contrast with the three group factors, the general VDT factor more strongly incremented the prediction of negative affectivity and hostility; the group factors more strongly incremented the prediction of grandiosity, egocentrism, callousness, Machiavellianism, and direct (physical/verbal) aggression. Alignment of the retained bifactor model with influent models of personality pathology and conceptual/methodological implications of the present results for research on the hypothesized VDT are discussed, as well as some clinical implications of the findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominick Gamache
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Véronique Maheux-Caron
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - David Théberge
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Alexandre Côté
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Anne Rancourt
- Department of Psychology, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, QC, Canada
| | - Sébastien Hétu
- Department of Psychology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Claudia Savard
- CERVO Brain Research Centre, Quebec City, QC, Canada
- Interdisciplinary Research Center on Intimate Relationship Problems and Sexual Abuse, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Educational Fundamentals and Practices, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC, Canada
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34
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Bader M, Hilbig BE, Zettler I, Moshagen M. Rethinking aversive personality: Decomposing the Dark Triad traits into their common core and unique flavors. J Pers 2023; 91:1084-1109. [PMID: 36256568 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explain and predict unethical behavior, much attention has been devoted to the "Dark Triad of Personality", a set of three socially aversive personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Despite its popularity, research on the Dark Triad has been beset by recurring concerns surrounding the distinctiveness of its components. Herein, we propose an alternative theoretical view that conceptualizes the Dark Triad traits as specific manifestations of the common core of aversive traits (conceptualized as the Dark Factor of Personality, D) flavored by unique, essentially non-aversive characteristics. METHOD In two studies (total N > 1000), we test this idea by examining the conceptual and empirical overlap and specificity of the Dark Triad traits vis-à-vis D and each other. RESULTS Findings support the conceptualization of the Dark Triad traits as flavored manifestations of D and also reveal a marked discrepancy between the current conceptualization of the Dark Triad traits and the empirical structure of its subdimensions. In fact, evidence clearly failed to support the existence of a triad of traits. CONCLUSION Conceptualizing single aversive traits as a conjunction of core D aspects and essentially non-aversive characteristics (admiration; disinhibition vs. planfulness; vulnerability vs. boldness) holds promise to move the field forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Bader
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Ingo Zettler
- Department of Psychology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science (SODAS), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten Moshagen
- Institute of Psychology and Education, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
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Horsten LK, Moshagen M, Hilbig BE. On the (number of) aversive traits it takes to approximate the common core of aversive personality. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15021. [PMID: 37699991 PMCID: PMC10497531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42115-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The Dark Triad and Dark Tetrad are the constellation of aversive traits that are most commonly assessed to study their common (aversive) and unique (non-aversive) features. Nonetheless, it is unclear whether these particular traits (in combination) indeed closely approximate the common core of all aversive traits. A close approximation of the aversive core, however, is crucial if one is strictly interested in an aversive trait's unique variance. Therefore, the present study aims to specify how many and which aversive traits jointly approximate the aversive core to a satisfactory extent. To this end, the aversive core was first estimated from 16 aversive traits and then correlated to the aversive cores extracted from all 63,002 possible combinations of two to eleven of these traits. Results showed that most combinations of four, or essentially any combination of at least six aversive traits, approximated the aversive core reasonably well, whereas the Dark Triad and Dark Tetrad lead to systematically poorer approximations compared to other combinations of three of four aversive traits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa K Horsten
- Department of Psychology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829, Landau, Germany.
| | - Morten Moshagen
- Ulm University, Albert-Einstein-Allee 47, 89081, Ulm, Germany
| | - Benjamin E Hilbig
- Department of Psychology, RPTU Kaiserslautern-Landau, Fortstr. 7, 76829, Landau, Germany
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Maier J, Oschatz C, Stier S, Zettler I. A Short Scale to Measure Self-Reported Aversive Personality in Political Elites. J Pers Assess 2023; 105:625-635. [PMID: 36260515 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2022.2130341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
In order to explain the behavior of political elites, research increasingly considers personality traits. Within this line of research, a recent focus is on socially aversive - yet non-pathological - personality traits (e.g., Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy), with the idea to better understand behavior violating generally accepted ethical, moral, and social norms. Assessments of politicians' aversive personality traits have so far been almost exclusively based on observer reports of experts and voters. Herein, by contrast, we introduce the Political Elites Aversive Personality Scale ("PEAPS") particularly tailored to measure self-reported aversive personality among politicians. More precisely, based on two studies with German politicians, we develop a 6-item short scale comprising aspects of different socially aversive personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and spitefulness). The scale shows an acceptable model fit, an acceptable internal consistency, an acceptable measurement equivalence, and meaningful correlations with other (self-reported) psychological traits and campaign behavior. Moreover, the scale significantly contributes to the explanation of candidates' negative campaigning, going beyond the explanatory power of models capturing broad, basic personality traits. Overall, the suggested scale provides interesting links to research in (political) psychology and can help to explain attitudes, behavior, and performance of political elites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Maier
- Department of Political Science, University of Koblenz-Landau
| | - Corinna Oschatz
- Amsterdam School of Communication Research (ASCoR), University of Amsterdam
| | - Sebastian Stier
- Department Computational Social Science, Leibniz Institute for the Social Sciences, Cologne
| | - Ingo Zettler
- Department of Psychology and Copenhagen Center for Social Data Science (SODAS), University of Copenhagen
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37
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Stephan B, Lechner D, Stockkamp M, Hudecek MFC, Frey D, Lermer E. Where a psychopathic personality matters at work: a cross-industry study of the relation of dark triad and psychological capital. BMC Psychol 2023; 11:236. [PMID: 37592346 PMCID: PMC10436650 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-023-01266-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The concepts of Dark Triad and Psychological Capital (PsyCap) have been extensively researched separately, but until one recent study, their interrelation has not been investigated. Purpose of this study was to uncover differences of the relationship of both concepts across work related industries. METHODS In total, 2,109 German employees across 11 industries completed a questionnaire on Dark Triad (narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism) and PsyCap. Multiple regression analyses were used to test the association of both concepts across industries. RESULTS Values of narcissism, psychopathy and PsyCap generally differed between industries. No significant differences were found for Machiavellianism. While narcissism relates positively to PsyCap in all industry sectors, psychopathy only showed a negative relation to PsyCap in some sectors. For industries architecture, automotive and consulting, psychopathy did not significantly predict PsyCap. CONCLUSIONS We argue that different expectations of employees per industry make it easier or harder for different personalities to assimilate (homogeneity hypothesis) to the work context (measured by PsyCap). Future studies should investigate this further with other variables such as person-organization-fit. This study was, however, the first to simultaneously investigate Dark Triad and PsyCap among employees and their respective industry. It extends previous findings by revealing differences of both concepts across and within industry sectors. The study can help to reconsider in which industries Dark Triad personality affects PsyCap as antecedent of workplace outcomes such as work satisfaction or job performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Birgit Stephan
- Center for Leadership and People Management, LMU Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Dominik Lechner
- Center for Leadership and People Management, LMU Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Mariella Stockkamp
- Center for Leadership and People Management, LMU Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias F C Hudecek
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
| | - Dieter Frey
- Center for Leadership and People Management, LMU Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Lermer
- Center for Leadership and People Management, LMU Munich, Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1, 80539, Munich, Germany
- Department of Business Psychology, Technical University of Applied Sciences Augsburg, An der Hochschule 1, 86161, Augsburg, Germany
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38
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Csajbók Z, Štěrbová Z, Brewer G, Cândea CA, De Backer CJS, Fernández AM, Fisher ML, Garcia JR, Kruger DJ, Massar K, Oberzaucher E, Quintelier KJP, van Geffen RE, Valentova JV, Varella MAC, Jonason PK. Individual Differences in How Desirable People Think They Are as a Mate. ARCHIVES OF SEXUAL BEHAVIOR 2023; 52:2475-2490. [PMID: 37154879 PMCID: PMC10501943 DOI: 10.1007/s10508-023-02601-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Mate value is an important concept in mate choice research although its operationalization and understanding are limited. Here, we reviewed and evaluated previously established conceptual and methodological approaches measuring mate value and presented original research using individual differences in how people view themselves as a face-valid proxy for mate value in long- and short-term contexts. In data from 41 nations (N = 3895, Mage = 24.71, 63% women, 47% single), we tested sex, age, and relationship status effects on self-perceived mate desirability, along with individual differences in the Dark Triad traits, life history strategies, peer-based comparison of desirability, and self-reported mating success. Both sexes indicated more short-term than long-term mate desirability; however, men reported more long-term mate desirability than women, whereas women reported more short-term mate desirability than men. Further, individuals who were in a committed relationship felt more desirable than those who were not. Concerning the cross-sectional stability of mate desirability across the lifespan, in men, short- and long-term desirability rose to the age of 40 and 50, respectively, and decreased afterward. In women, short-term desirability rose to the age of 38 and decreased afterward, whereas long-term desirability remained stable over time. Our results suggest that measuring long- and short-term self-perceived mate desirability reveals predictable correlates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Csajbók
- Faculty of Humanities, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Gayle Brewer
- Institute of Population Health, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniel J Kruger
- Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Karlijn Massar
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | | | - Katinka J P Quintelier
- School of Business and Economics, Management and Organisation, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | | | | | - Peter K Jonason
- Department of General Psychology, University of Padua, Via Venezia, 12, 35131, Padua, PD, Italy.
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland.
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Campos C, Rocha NB, Barbosa F. Dissociating cognitive and affective empathy across psychopathy dimensions: The role of interoception and alexithymia. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1082965. [PMID: 37457066 PMCID: PMC10345207 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1082965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This study examined the associations between psychopathy dimensions (triarchic phenotypes and classical factors), empathy domains (cognitive and affective), and interoception (interoceptive attention and accuracy) while accounting for the putative role of alexithymia. A community sample (n = 515) completed an online survey encompassing: Triarchic Psychopathy Measure (boldness, meanness, disinhibition); Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale (primary and secondary psychopathy); Body Perception Questionnaire (interoceptive attention); Interoceptive Accuracy Scale; Toronto Alexithymia Scale. Hierarchical linear regression models were implemented for hypothesis-driven analyses examining the associations between psychopathy, empathy, and interoception while controlling for sex, age, and alexithymia. Exploratory path models were employed to investigate alexithymia and/or cognitive empathy as mediators between interoception and psychopathy. Our results largely confirmed the postulated empathy profiles across psychopathy dimensions, as meanness and primary psychopathy displayed a broad empathy impairment, while disinhibition and secondary psychopathy were only associated with diminished cognitive empathy. Importantly, boldness displayed a unique pattern (enhanced cognitive empathy and reduced affective empathy), further reinforcing its importance within the constellation of psychopathy traits. Contrary to our hypotheses, self-perceived interoceptive attention and accuracy were not associated with either psychopathy dimension after controlling for alexithymia. However, interoceptive accuracy and alexithymia were associated with cognitive empathy, while alexithymia was also positively related to all psychopathy dimensions (as expected), despite the unexpected strong and negative association with boldness. Exploratory analyses suggested significant indirect effects (mediation) between interoceptive accuracy and psychopathy via alexithymia and/or cognitive empathy. These mediating effects must be interpreted with caution and future studies should be designed to formally test this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Campos
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Neurocognition Group|LabRP, School of Health, Center for Rehabilitation Research, Polytechnic University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Barbosa Rocha
- School of Health, Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, Polytechnic University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Fernando Barbosa
- Laboratory of Neuropsychophysiology, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Fernandes M, Jonauskaite D, Tomas F, Laurent E, Mohr C. Individual differences in self-reported lie detection abilities. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285124. [PMID: 37224102 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous literature on lie detection abilities bears an interesting paradox. On the group level, people detect others' lies at guessing level. However, when asked to evaluate their own abilities, people report being able to detect lies (i.e., self-reported lie detection). Understanding this paradox is important because decisions which rely on credibility assessment and deception detection can have serious implications (e.g., trust in others, legal issues). In two online studies, we tested whether individual differences account for variance in self-reported lie detection abilities. We assessed personality traits (Big-Six personality traits, Dark Triad), empathy, emotional intelligence, cultural values, trust level, social desirability, and belief in one's own lie detection abilities. In both studies, mean self-reported lie detection abilities were above chance level. Then, lower out-group trust and higher social desirability levels predicted higher self-reported lie detection abilities. These results suggest that social trust and norms shape our beliefs about our own lie detection abilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Fernandes
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Domicele Jonauskaite
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Frédéric Tomas
- Center for Cognition and Communication, University of Tilburg, Tilburg, Netherlands
| | - Eric Laurent
- Department of Psychology, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Christine Mohr
- Institute of Psychology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Who exploits? The trusted one, the dark one, or both? PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
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Measurement invariance of the Dark Triad Dirty Dozen across nonclinical and clinical populations, genders, and age groups. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
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South AJ, Barkus E, Walter EE, Mendonca C, Thomas SJ. Dark Triad Personality Traits, Second-to-Forth Digit Ratio (2D:4D) and Circulating Testosterone and Cortisol Levels. Biol Psychol 2023; 179:108567. [PMID: 37086902 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsycho.2023.108567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/16/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dark Triad (DT) personality traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) show sex differences and associations with hormones. Understanding aetiology may assist in mitigating the harm of these potentially adverse characteristics. Low second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is hypothesised to be a marker of high prenatal testosterone exposure and may provide important information about organisational hormones. The aim of the present study was to measure Dark Triad and Big 5 personality traits in relation to digit ratio, salivary testosterone, and cortisol. METHODS A non-clinical sample (N=268; 49.25% Female, age M25.20 ± 8.77yrs) completed the Short Dark Triad and International Personality Inventory Pool - Mini. Afternoon saliva was analysed for testosterone and cortisol, and 2D:4D finger ratios were measured. RESULTS Males scored higher on DT traits than females. Females scored higher on Big 5 agreeableness and neuroticism. Males had higher testosterone and cortisol levels and lower 2D:4D than females. Digit ratio correlated inversely with salivary testosterone, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. Testosterone levels correlated positively with cortisol levels and psychopathy and negatively with agreeableness, neuroticism, and Machiavellianism. CONCLUSIONS These results provide indications that Machiavellianism and psychopathy (Dark Triad) traits, but not narcissism or Big 5 traits, are linked to markers of prenatal testosterone exposure. Results also replicate sex differences seen in 2D:4D digit ratios, with males having a shorter second-relative-to-forth finger. Links between circulating testosterone, digit ratios, cortisol and personality traits provide further information about potential biological bases of personality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J South
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522.
| | - Emma Barkus
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
| | - Emma E Walter
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Bankstown, NSW, Australia, 2214.
| | - Carley Mendonca
- School of Psychology, Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522
| | - Susan J Thomas
- Graduate School of Medicine, Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, University of Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Wollongong, NSW, Australia, 2522.
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Ramsay JE, Wang D, Yeo JS, Khong ZY, Tan CS. Perceived authenticity, Machiavellianism, and psychological functioning: An inter-domain and cross-cultural investigation. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.112049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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Szabó ZP, Diller SJ, Czibor A, Restás P, Jonas E, Frey D. “One of these things is not like the others”: The associations between dark triad personality traits, work attitudes, and work-related motivation. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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Blanchard AE, Keenan G, Heym N, Sumich A. COVID-19 prevention behaviour is differentially motivated by primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism and vulnerable Dark Triad traits. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023; 204:112060. [PMID: 36588787 PMCID: PMC9794185 DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.112060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism) are associated with nonadherence to COVID-19 prevention measures such as social distancing and wearing face masks, although the psychological mechanisms underpinning this relationship remain unclear. In contrast, high threat-sensitivity may motivate compliance, and maybe seen in relation to vulnerable dark traits (secondary psychopathy, vulnerable narcissism and borderline personality disorder). The relationship between vulnerable dark traits and COVID-19 prevention behaviour has not been examined. During April 2021, participants (n = 263) completed an online psychometric study assessing engagement with COVID-19 prevention behaviour, traditional DT traits (primary psychopathy; grandiose narcissism) and vulnerable DT traits. Potential indirect effects were fear of COVID-19, perceived coronavirus severity, belief in COVID-19 conspiracy theories and altruism. Model of path analysis identified predictors of engagement in disease prevention behaviour. Primary psychopathy, grandiose narcissism, secondary psychopathy and BPD were associated with less COVID-19 prevention behaviour, with an indirect effect of reduced coronavirus severity. Grandiose narcissism and BPD were also motivated by COVID-19 conspiracy theories, and increased prevention behaviour when fear of COVID-19 was higher. No direct or indirect effects were observed for vulnerable narcissism. The current study is the first to elucidate psychological mechanisms linking vulnerable dark traits with COVID-19 prevention behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyson E. Blanchard
- School of Health and Society, University of Salford, Manchester, M6 6PU, United Kingdom,Corresponding author
| | - Greg Keenan
- Department of Psychology, Liverpool Hope University, Liverpool L16 9JD, United Kingdom
| | - Nadja Heym
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Sumich
- Department of Psychology, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, Nottingham NG1 4FQ, United Kingdom
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Ross LT, Wright JC. Humility, Personality, and Psychological Functioning. Psychol Rep 2023; 126:688-711. [PMID: 34965755 DOI: 10.1177/00332941211062819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
As part of the shift to a more positive psychology, researchers have demonstrated a relatively new and intense fascination with humility. Following a discussion of this construct and its correlates, we investigate how humility relates to personality dimensions, anxiety and depression, love of life and happiness, and self-efficacy in two samples-college students and adult Mturk workers. In both studies, we used the Dual Dimension Humility Scale, a measure that does not conflate the construct with honesty. Among students (N = 399), aspects humility correlated with dimensions of personality (more conscientiousness and openness, and less agreeableness and neuroticism), less depression, more love of life and happiness, and stronger social self-efficacy. Although fewer associations were found, overall, among adults (N = 509), aspects of humility correlated with dimensions of personality, less anxiety, and some dimensions of psychological well-being. The most unique contributions of this study include linking humility with college students' love of life and self-efficacy, and with adults' well-being. We conclude with a discussion of ideas for future research and potential applications to boost humility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa T Ross
- Department of Psychology, 2343College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Jennifer C Wright
- Department of Psychology, 2343College of Charleston, Charleston, SC, USA
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Giancola M, Palmiero M, D’Amico S. Dark Triad and COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy: the role of conspiracy beliefs and risk perception. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37359671 PMCID: PMC10064627 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04609-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
With the spread of the Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, the mass vaccination plan represents the primary weapon to control the infection curve. Unfortunately, vaccine hesitancy also spread out worldwide. This led to exploring the critical factors that prevent vaccination from improving the efficacy of vaccine campaigns. In the present study, the role of the Dark Triad (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) in vaccine hesitancy was investigated, considering the sequential mediating effects of conspiracy beliefs and risk perception. Via a cross-sectional design, the study was conducted with 210 participants surveyed using an online questionnaire to assess the Dark Triad, vaccine hesitancy, conspiracy beliefs, risk perception, and a set of demographic and socio-cultural control variables. Results showed that conspiracy beliefs and risk perception fully mediated the association between the Dark Triad and vaccine hesitancy. This finding suggested that albeit personality accounts for individual differences in human behaviour, vaccine hesitancy is also affected by irrational and false beliefs that, in turn, weaken the risk perception associated with COVID-19. Implications and future research directions were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Giancola
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
| | | | - Simonetta D’Amico
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, L’Aquila, Italy
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Profiles of patients with a personality disorder admitted in a day hospital treatment program: Revealing spectra from the Hierarchical Taxonomy of Psychopathology. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04388-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
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Grabow A, Becker-Blease K. Acquiring Psychopathy and Callousness Traits: Examining the Influence of Childhood Betrayal Trauma and Adult Dissociative Experiences in a Community Sample. J Trauma Dissociation 2023; 24:268-283. [PMID: 36653975 DOI: 10.1080/15299732.2023.2168827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
The study of psychopathy has largely centered on samples of incarcerated offenders with a focus on primary psychopathy traits. Less is known, however, about how experiences of childhood betrayal trauma and dissociation influence the development of these traits in non-institutionalized individuals. In the present study, we utilized structural equation modeling to investigate the relationships among childhood betrayal trauma, adult dissociation, and adult psychopathy traits and callous affect traits in a community sample (N = 746). Childhood betrayal trauma was associated with psychopathy and callous affect traits, and mediated by dissociative experiences. These results are consistent with theory and prior empirical findings associating childhood betrayal trauma with dissociation, psychopathy, and callous affect traits. The results will help influence the design of future studies that can further inform the developmental course of psychopathy.
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