Overlapping measures or constructs? An empirical study of the overlap between self-control, psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism

Matt Delisi,Pedro Pechorro,João Maroco,Mário Simões

doi:10.1016/j.fsisyn.2021.100141

Abstract

Overlap between self-control and dark triad traits (i.e., psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism) is potentially problematic for efforts to distinguish dimensions associated with elevated risk for antisociality and crime. The aim of the present study is to examine the potential overlap between self-control and psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism, with a focus on the Brief Self-Control Scale (BSCS) and the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad scale (DD). The sample consisted of 567 youth (M = 15.91 years, SD = 0.99 years, age range = 14–18 years) from Portugal. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis results from the pooled set of items of the BSCS and the DD measures revealed that both are valid and reliable measures of their respective constructs. However, consistent with previous research, the narcissism facet of the DD emerged as an independent factor. Our findings suggest that if such an eventual overlap is detected, it would be a question of problematic measures, not constructs.

Highlights

As largely independent constructs with their own literatures, self-control and psychopathy are indispensable risk factors for antisocial behavior
We empirically examine potential overlap between self-control and psychopathy using different measures of both the Brief Self-Control Scale and The Dirty Dozen which spans psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism
This is a brief 12-item tridimensional measure of the Dark Triad construct of personality composed of psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism. It is composed of four items for each trait that measure individual differences in psychopathy (e.g., “I tend to be unconcerned with the morality of my actions”), Machiavellianism (e.g., “I have used deceit or lied to get my way”), and narcissism (e.g., “I tend to seek prestige or status”)

Summary

Introduction

As largely independent constructs with their own literatures, self-control and psychopathy are indispensable risk factors for antisocial behavior. Across a variety of conceptual models in the social and behavioral sciences [1e5], self-control is a basic behavioral disposition characterized by behavioral disinhibition, sensation seeking, gratification delay, emotional regulation, and selfinterest. Low self-control is a consistently significant predictor of a broad swath of antisocial conduct [6e12] among diverse populations. Across a variety of conceptual models in the social and behavioral sciences [13e16] psychopathy is a personality disorder most similar to Antisocial Personality Disorder that presents a constellation of features that relate to core self-regulation problems, manipulative and exploitative interpersonal style, narcissism, impulsivity, sensation seeking, and global irresponsibility. Numerous meta-analytic studies substantiate the empirical strength of both self-control [17e20] and psychopathy [21e24] as consistent and robust predictors of manifold forms of psychopathology and antisocial conduct

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