Dark Triad traits and relationship dissolution

Abstract

A substantial body of research exists documenting the relationship between Dark Triad traits and the formation and maintenance of close personal relationships. Relatively few studies have, however, considered Dark Triad traits in the context of relationship dissolution. The present studies investigate the relationship between Dark Triad traits and the strategies used during the dissolution of romantic relationships (Study 1) and friendships (Study 2). For each study participants (Study 1: N = 722; Study 2: N = 177) completed the Short Dark Triad-3 (SD3) and Break-up Strategies Questionnaire. In Study 1, Machiavellianism predicted greater use of avoidance / withdrawal, cost escalation / manipulation, and de-escalation when terminating a romantic relationship and lower open confrontation. Further, psychopathy predicted greater use of cost escalation / manipulation and distant / mediated communication but lower positive tone / self-blame and open confrontation when terminating a romantic relationship. In Study 2, psychopathy predicted greater distant / mediated communication only and Machiavellianism was not a significant individual predictor of strategies used during the dissolution of friendship. Narcissism was less closely associated with break-up strategies than Machiavellianism or psychopathy, predicting greater open confrontation with romantic partners only (Study 1).