Mate attraction in the Dark Triad: Narcissists are hot, Machiavellians and psychopaths not

Abstract

The Dark Triad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) is linked to a fast life strategy and short-term mating in males, but strong ecologically valid evidence of their success in actual mating-situations is scarce. In natural and non-hypothetical men–women interactions (with ratings from men, women, and independent observers), we investigated (a) how the Dark Triad is related to mate attraction, (b) mediating variables of mate attraction, and (c) women’s and men’s physical attractiveness as a moderators. Fifty-nine men approached 1395 women on the streets aiming to obtain contact information, while two assistants unobtrusively observed interactions and questioned the women afterwards. Narcissism was uniquely associated to different mate attraction indicators because of approach-oriented behaviours (e.g., self-assuredness, charm). Machiavellianism and psychopathy showed neutral or negative relations. Men’s (but not women’s) physical attractiveness moderated the relation between narcissism and Machiavellianism with mate attraction. The courtship style and reproductive success of “dark personalities” is discussed.