Replicating the relationships between Dark Triad traits and female mate-competition tactics in undergraduate women

Abstract

The Dark Triad (DT) personality traits of Machiavellianism, sub-clinical narcissism, and sub-clinical psychopathy overlap with variation in women's interest in casual sex (sociosexuality), and heightened use of mate-competition tactics. The present study sought to replicate links between DT traits and female-typical mate competition tactics, such as appearance enhancement, gossiping, and indirect sabotage of rivals. It was predicted that all DT traits would have a positive relationship with sexual competitiveness beyond other relevant variables such as sociosexuality, age, relationship status, and sexual orientation. A large sample (n = 1474) of undergraduate women (Mage = 20.61 years, SD = 3.76) was recruited from two Midwestern Canadian universities. In linear regression, sexual competitiveness was positively predicted by having a current romantic partner, and high sociosexual desire, whereas age and sexual inexperience (i.e., virginity) were negative predictors. These variables accounted for 12% of the variance in the overall model. Each DT trait was positively related to sexual competitiveness, collectively accounting for an additional 13% of the total variance. Results illustrate the ways in which DT traits in women are related to mate-competition, adding to a body of research indicating that the “darker side” of female personality foments elevated competition in the mating market.