The Dark Triad and long-term mate preferences in Iranian women

Abstract

The Dark Triad traits—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—have been considered as socially aversive personality traits. Evolutionary studies on the Dark Triad and mating behavior suggest that these traits may serve as adaptive mechanisms in different mating contexts, especially short-term mating orientation. Using a sample from Iran (N=281), we examined the associations between the Dark Triad and long-term mate preferences in women. Psychopathy was negatively associated with preference for Kindness/Dependability and Religiosity/Chastity. Moreover, narcissism was positively associated with preference for Status/Resources, Attractiveness/Sexuality, and Education/Intelligence. The associations between Machiavellianism and the dimensions of mate preferences were statistically non-significant. Limitations of the study are noted and the findings are discussed in the light of evolutionary approach.