Dark Triad Traits Research Articles

When deviants talk: the role of Dark Triad traits and moral reasoning in whistleblowing

AbstractWhistleblowing is an effective means to uncover fraud and other misconduct in organizations. However, it is puzzling why some employees come forward despite numerous disadvantages, severe retaliation, and negative social perceptions of the whistleblower within and outside the firm. Understanding whistleblowing as an act of deviance can enrich explanations for whistleblowing in such dilemmas. Drawing on psychology literature, we look at the moderating effect of the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy), as well as moral reasoning on the factors behind the whistleblowing process. We surveyed 375 economics and business majors and found that both forms of deviance influence the decision process, making internal whistleblowing more likely. Dark Triad personalities are less influenced by adverse subjective norms and their attitude toward the consequences of whistleblowing. The negative impact of perceived retaliation on whistleblowing intention is lessened by high moral reasoning. Both types of deviations from the norm may foster whistleblowing, making it ex-post challenging to distinguish different types of whistleblowers. Importantly, we argue that specific policies, such as protection, may only serve one kind of whistleblower, disregarding the important influence of subjective norms, which may foster a more desirable type of whistleblower. Our research shows that deviant personality characteristics can counteract insufficient protection or negative cultural views on whistleblowing. These findings have direct practical implications for whistleblowing systems, corporate governance policies, and policymakers. Moreover, we contribute to an emerging stream of research that moves away from a purely pro-social view and toward a more comprehensive understanding of whistleblowing by introducing a holistic concept of whistleblowing as deviance.

Certainty improves the predictive validity of Honesty-Humility and Dark Triad traits on cheating behavior

This research examined the extent to which certainty can strengthen the relationship between individual differences and cheating behavior. In the first two studies, participants completed the Honesty-Humility or the Dark Triad scales. Then, they rated the certainty they had in their responses to each of those two inventories. In the third study, participants completed both scales within the same experimental design and were randomly assigned to a certainty vs. doubt condition. As the dependent variables, we used different cheating outcomes across studies. As predicted, the link between these two traits and cheating behavior was greater for participants with higher levels of certainty in their responses to the inventories (Studies 1 and 2) or for those assigned to the certainty (vs. doubt) condition (Study 3). Incorporating the certainty with which individuals hold their traits contributes to enhancing the predictive validity of personality measures relevant to cheating.

How dark traits and regulatory focus manifest in online hotel reviews: a textual content analysis

ABSTRACT This study seeks to explore how Dark Triad of psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism interact with consumers’ regulatory focus (prevention-focus and promotion-focus) to influence online consumer reviews in the hotel industry. We conducted an empirical analysis of 1,185,940 hotel reviews from TripAdvisor.com, utilizing the textual content of online reviews and employing Language Inquiry and Word Count analytical tools. The research reveals a multifaceted link between regulatory focus and Dark Triad in online reviews. The results showed that individuals with a promotion focus tend to give higher ratings than those with a prevention focus. Dark Triad significantly influences how regulatory focus impacts online reviews. This study initiates a new academic dialogue on the interaction between regulatory focus and Dark Triad traits within online consumer behavior studies. It provides practical guidance for the hotel industry to refine their management and response strategies by acknowledging the impact of consumer personality traits on online reviews.

Delving into the Happiness of Professional Accountants: Examining the Interplay between Personality Traits, and Job and Life Satisfaction

This study aimed to determine accountants’ personality profiles and test which personality traits make accountants happier at work and in social life. In this context, the relationships between the personality traits of professional accountants (within the scope of the Dark Triad and Big Five) and their job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and personality-profession fit were examined. In this direction, quantitative research was designed, and professional accountants participated (N = 202) in the study. According to the findings, it is determined that the Dark Triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) of the accountants are at a low level. Levels of dark personality traits were negatively associated with life satisfaction, while job satisfaction and personality-occupation fit were not significantly associated. Furthermore, the highest score regarding Big Five personality traits (i.e., openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism) was obtained in agreeableness among the accountants. A positive relationship was found between the openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness characteristics of accountants and their job satisfaction, life satisfaction, and personality-profession fit, while a negative relationship was detected with neuroticism. As a result, it is concluded that accounting professionals with high levels of openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, and agreeableness are happier in their work and lives.

Dark Triad Traits and Workplace Performance on the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT)

Background Psychologists have recently turned their focus to the “dark side” of workplace behavior, particularly negative traits that impact professional environments. Methods In this exploratory study, we examined the Dark Triad traits—Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy—among 3,112 bank employees. Additionally, we analyzed the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) performance in a subset of 1,613 participants to explore correlations between Dark Triad traits and decision-making. We also investigated differences based on sex and job position. Results Our findings reveal that men scored higher on Dark Triad traits than women, reinforcing well-established findings. Furthermore, sales managers and premium client managers displayed the highest levels of Machiavellian strategies, though overall, bank employees showed significantly lower Machiavellianism scores compared to published Russian norms. While IGT performance showed no sex differences, it varied between managers and non-managers. A significant negative correlation emerged between Machiavellianism and psychopathy and good deck choices on the IGT, with a linear regression indicating that lower Dark Triad scores predicted better decision-making. Conclusion Further research is needed to explore the relationship between affective decision-making and dark personality traits.

The Relationship Between the Dark Triad and Junior High School Students Satisfaction with School Life: the Chain Mediating Effect of Sense of Control and Sense of Meaning in Life

This study explored how dark triad characteristics affect junior middle school students satisfaction with school life, and further explored the chain mediating role of individual sense of control and sense of life meaning in this association. The study adopted standardized assessment tools, including the Twelve Dark triad questionnaire to measure the dark triad trait, combined with the sense of control scale, the sense of life meaning scale and the school life satisfaction questionnaire, to conduct a comprehensive survey of 416 junior high school students. The results showed that there was a significant negative correlation between the dark triad and junior middle school students sense of control, sense of meaning in life and school life satisfaction. Meanwhile, junior high school students sense of control, sense of life meaning and school life satisfaction are positively correlated. Further analysis reveals that the dark triad not only indirectly affects school life satisfaction through the single path of sense of control or sense of life meaning, but also has a profound impact through the chain mediation mechanism of the two. Specifically, this mediating effect accounts for 22.14% (only through sense of control), 22.54% (only through sense of life meaning) and 18.19% (through the combination of sense of control and sense of life meaning) of the total influence of dark triad on school life satisfaction, respectively. This finding highlights the importance of focusing on and intervening with dark triad characteristics in middle school students, and the value of enhancing sense of control and sense of meaning as potential avenues for improving school life satisfaction.

How ‘dark’ are Latino: Implications for nascent entrepreneurship

Nascent entrepreneurs, individuals in the initial stages of establishing new business ventures, play a crucial role in both the economy and society. By focusing on personality and workplace dynamics this study analyzes the antecedents of individual's intention to embark on entrepreneurship by using survey data from 1497 employees across nine Latin American countries including Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Bolivia, Cuba, and Brazil. Our cross-cultural results reveal that a higher presence of all three components of Dark Triad traits—Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism—significantly enhances an employee's inclination toward entrepreneurship. Additionally, workers who have higher scores in these three traits perceive themselves as being ostracized or marginalized in the workplace due to their personality characteristics. This perception, in turn, makes them more interested in seeking alternative paths, such as starting their own business. Interestingly, males generally scored higher on Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism compared to females. However, in Cuba, females scored higher than males on all three traits. Geographically, Chilean employees had the highest scores for Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism, while Peruvian employees had the lowest scores for Machiavellianism and narcissism. Cubans scored the lowest in terms of psychopathy. These findings highlight the complex relationship between personality traits and workplace dynamics in influencing entrepreneurial intentions, offering valuable insights into the motivations driving entrepreneurial pursuits.

Will the Dark Triad Engender Psychopathological Symptoms or Vice Versa? A Three-Wave Random Intercept Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis.

The Dark Triad (DT), including narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy, represents the dark side of human nature and has been related to psychopathological symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety, and stress). However, little is known about how the two constructs are related longitudinally. To fill this gap and to clarify the directionality between them, we conducted a longitudinal study. We measured DT traits and psychopathological symptoms in a large sample of university students (NT1 = 1815) annually for 3 years. We implemented random intercept cross-lagged panel models in analysis. Narcissism and psychopathological symptoms showed a reciprocal relationship at the within-person level: greater narcissism preceded a decline in psychopathological symptoms, while more severe symptoms preceded a decrease in narcissism. Within the same individual, increases in the DT, particularly psychopathy and Machiavellianism, were linked to concurrent escalations in the symptoms. Additionally, all DT traits were positively correlated with psychopathological symptoms as stable differences between individuals. This study constitutes an important step in clarifying the directionality between the DT and psychopathological symptoms, and advances our understanding of the interplay between these two constructs at both the between-person and within-person levels.

The relationship between the Dark Triad and academic burnout mediated by perfectionistic self-presentation

Individuals with dark personality traits are more prone to burnout, but this was not yet investigated in academia. Perfectionistic self-presentation (PSPS), an interpersonal expression of perfectionism, could be an explaining factor. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the dark triad (Machiavellianism, vulnerable and grandiose narcissism, and psychopathy) and academic burnout, and whether the PSPS total score and its dimensions (perfectionistic self-promotion, nondisplay of imperfection, and nondisclosure of imperfection) mediates this. We expected that higher dark triad traits would be associated with higher academic burnout and that this would be explained by higher PSPS. Hypotheses included expectations for each PSPS dimension as well. Questionnaires were completed by 304 bachelor/master students (Mage = 22.81 years). Mediations were performed for each dark triad trait with total PSPS and each of its dimensions separately as mediator, and academic burnout as dependent variable. Total PSPS and almost all of its dimensions positively and significantly mediated the relation between Machiavellianism as well as psychopathy and academic burnout (small effect sizes). In contrast, only the PSPS dimension nondisplay of imperfection was a significant, positive mediator of the relation between grandiose narcissism and academic burnout (medium effect size). The other mediations with grandiose or vulnerable narcissism were non-significant. Future research should investigate this further, for instance by using the standard dark triad scales. Finally, this study offers insights for interventions and prevention of academic burnout by highlighting the unique impact of each dark triad trait. For example, those high on Machiavellianism may benefit from tools to deal with cynicism and perfectionism, ultimately lowering the risk for academic burnout.

Conflict in Love: An Examination of the Role of Dark Triad Traits in Romantic Relationships among Women

The present study examined how the personality dimensions of the Dark Triad (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) predict infidelity intentions and jealousy and whether these variables predict conflict tactics used in relationships. Adult women (N = 567, 18–73 years old, Mage = 31.91; SD = 10.29) completed self-report scales assessing the Dark Triad traits, jealousy (i.e., cognitive, emotional, and behavioral), intentions towards infidelity, and conflict tactics, including negotiation, psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion, and injury. Our results demonstrated that the Dark Triad traits had strong links to the intention to commit infidelity and jealousy, and at the correlational level, there were small correlations between jealousy and the intention to commit infidelity. Both jealousy and the intention to commit infidelity predicted conflict tactics. As this is possibly one of the first studies to examine these variables jointly, the present results add to our understanding of the role of personality in romantic relationships.

The role of personality traits and online behavior in belief in fake news

The current study examines how careless online behavior and personality traits are related to the detection of fake news. We tested the relationships among accurately distinguishing between fake and real news headlines, careless online behavioral tendencies, and the HEXACO and dark triad personality traits. Poorer discernment between fake and real news headlines was associated with greater careless behavior online (i.e., greater online disinhibition, greater risky online behavior, greater engagement with strangers online, and less suspicion of others’ intentions online), as well as lower Conscientiousness, Openness, and Honesty-Humility, and greater dark triad traits. Implications for the literature as well as potential interventions to reduce susceptibility to misinformation and fake news are discussed.

Assortative mating and the dark triad: Evidence from the UK, Fiji, and meta-analytic review

The ‘dark triad’ represents the socially aversive personality traits of Machiavellianism, subclinical narcissism (henceforth, ‘narcissim’), and subclinical psychopathy (henceforth, ‘psychopathy’). There is evidence of assortative mating suggesting romantic partners are more similar than chance for these traits at the start of relationships (initial assortment) and not becoming alike with time (convergence), that people seek out partners to whom they are similar (active assortment), and that partner resemblance is not explained by social stratification processes (social homogamy). As the literature relates primarily to Eastern European and North American populations, we present studies from the UK (N = 104 couples) and Fiji (N = 99 couples). These showed significant positive assortment for each dark triad trait (other than psychopathy in the Fijian sample), and suggest the effects are explained by initial and active assortment and not by convergence or social homogamy. We also submitted the literature to meta-analytic review (Machiavellianism: k = 10, N = 1302; narcissism: k = 14, N = 1645; psychopathy: k = 13, N = 1989) and observed positive within-couple correlations of small (narcissism, psychopathy) to medium (Machiavellianism) effect size for each of the dark triad traits.

Makeup Usage in Women Is Positively Associated to Narcissism and Extraversion but Negatively to Psychopathy.

Appearance modification practices are ubiquitous, serving to enhance physical attractiveness and accrue social advantages, including increased desirability as a potential mate. Facial cosmetics are frequently used for appearance modification, yet individual differences in makeup usage remain understudied. While makeup usage in women has been linked to traits like narcissism and extraversion, the broader association with Dark Triad traits and how personality influences makeup application across diverse social contexts were less explored. Here we examined these relationships in 1,410 Brazilian women (Mage = 29.9, SD = 10.35), who completed online Big Five and Dark Triad personality measures, reported their usual makeup usage habits, and detailed their makeup usage across different social scenarios. Results revealed makeup usage was positively associated with narcissism and extraversion, and negatively with psychopathy. Additionally, women used less makeup when alone (at home, exercises) and more in social settings, particularly for the first date. However, women with higher narcissism and neuroticism showed larger differences among low and high makeup usage situations, while individuals with higher psychopathy used makeup in similar frequencies among different situations. Further, (1) overall greater users of makeup scored higher on narcissism, conscientiousness, and agreeableness; (2) average users displayed lower psychopathy; and (3) lesser users reported lower narcissism and higher psychopathy. These findings underscore the nuanced relationship between makeup usage and personality, particularly highlighting the influence of narcissism. These findings contribute to the interplay between personality traits and makeup usage, considering interindividual differences and intraindividual variation in understanding cosmetic behaviors among women.

Examining Dark Triad Traits in Formal Leaders and Their Impact on Employee Workplace Stress: A Comparative Study of Family and Non-Family Businesses

This paper aims to explore differences between the perception of dark traits in formal leaders and levels of workplace stress among employees working in family and non-family businesses. Furthermore, we assess if the company nature (family-owned versus non-family-owned) moderates the relationship between the employees’ perception of dark triad traits in their formal leaders and their workplace stress levels. The empirical evidence is provided by a sample of 220 Portuguese employees who responded to a questionnaire that included their perceptions of their formal leaders’ dark triad traits and workplace stress measures. All respondents are employed in small and medium-sized private companies, holding no management responsibilities and under formal hierarchical supervision. The initial ideas that family firms’ employees perceive higher levels of dark triad traits in their formal leaders than non-family firms’ employees and that they also show higher levels of workplace stress than non-family firms’ employees were confirmed. The results also support the notion that higher perceptions of dark triad traits in formal leaders are related with higher levels of workplace stress of employees and that the company nature significantly moderates this relationship. These findings enhance the research literature by addressing two often overlooked aspects in the comparison between family and non-family firms. Additionally, they provide valuable insights into the relationship between dark triad traits in formal leaders and employee workplace stress levels.

Unravelling late adolescents’ addiction to social media: a unified theory perspective

Purpose This study aims to explore the intricate connections among late adolescents in Malaysia by considering their attachment patterns, attitudes towards technology acceptance, malevolent psychological and emotional traits and addiction to social media. This is achieved by integrating and refining the attachment theory (AT), the technology acceptance model (TAM) and the dark triad (DT) personality traits. Design/methodology/approach A total of 217 quantitative data were gathered from adolescents between 17 and 19 years of age. The data was analysed using partial least square structural equation modelling with established constructs, including TAM (perceived ease of use, perceived usefulness, attitude), DT traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, fear of missing out), AT (attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety) and social media addiction. Findings The findings indicate that the perceived ease of use and usefulness are significantly positively related to attitude. Additionally, both attitude and FOMO were found to have a significant positive relationship with social media addiction. Notably, attachment anxiety was found to have a significant positive impact on FOMO, whereas attachment avoidance did not. Furthermore, among the dark triad traits, only narcissism showed a positive relationship with FOMO. Originality/value This study is novel because it integrates and expands unified theoretical perspectives to uncover the multifaceted factors contributing to late adolescents’ social media addiction. Moreover, introducing new concepts such as FOMO lays the groundwork for future research. Additionally, it proposes interventions that target specific vulnerabilities associated with attachment styles, technology acceptance and personality traits.

Dark Triad Personality Traits Impulsivity and Aggression in Adolescents

Abstract Background. Study explored the dark triad traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism) predictive relationship with aggression and impulsivity in school going children. Method. In a cross-sectional design with a purposive sample of 200 school-going boys and 200 girls (N= 400), 8th -10th grade, age range of 14-17 years were conveniently taken from government and private schools. We used Dark Triad of Personality (D3- Short, Jones & Paulhus, 2014), Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11, Stanford et al., 2009), and Aggression Questionnaire (AQ, Buss & Perry, 1992). Results. Results revealed dark traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism) significantly and positively associated with impulsiveness (Motor Impulsiveness, Non-planning impulsiveness and Attentional impulsiveness) and aggression (Verbal Aggression, Physical Aggression, Anger and Hostility). Boys expressed higher average levels of dark traits, impulsiveness and aggression than girls; and dark traits and gender predicted impulsiveness (44%) and aggression (35%). Conclusion. The study has significant implications especially in educational and school settings. Keywords. Dark Triad Personality Traits, Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, impulsivity, aggression

The mediating effects of moral disengagement and aggressive humor style: Dark Triad traits and schadenfreude.

While schadenfreude is commonly experienced in interpersonal relationships, it is generally considered immoral. Although previous research has explored the factors relating to schadenfreude, including certain personality traits, moral disengagement, and humor styles, our understanding of these factors remains limited. The present study examined the mediating effects of moral disengagement and aggressive humor style in the relationship between the Dark Triad traits and schadenfreude. In this study, a sample of 693 Iranian students (69.4% female), was recruited using a convenient sampling method, consisting of 330 undergraduate, 230 graduate, and 133 Ph.D. students. The trait schadenfreude scale, the short Dark Triad, the moral disengagement scale, and the aggressive humor style scale were measured through an online survey. The study found that Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy were positively related to schadenfreude, aggressive humor style, and moral disengagement. Additionally, aggressive humor style and moral disengagement mediated the relationship between Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy with schadenfreude. This study provides insights into the complex relationships between Dark Triad traits, moral disengagement, aggressive humor style, and schadenfreude. The findings suggest that individuals with higher levels of Dark Triad traits may be more likely to experience pleasure from others' misfortunes. Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of moral disengagement and aggressive humor style as potential mechanisms underlying the relationship between Dark Triad traits and schadenfreude. Further research should be done to explore the motivational factors influencing schadenfreude in specific settings, thereby elucidating these connections.

Navigating the Darkness: Unveiling the Link between Dark Triad Traits, Human Governance, and Deviant Workplace Behaviour

This paper attempts to examine the impact of human governance on the complex relationship between Dark Triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and deviant workplace behaviours. It integrates the theoretical concepts of Trait Theory, Al-Ghazali's theory of the soul, and Guman’s Governance Philosophy to analyse personality traits, spiritual influences, and ethical principles in deviant behaviours. This study aims to give scholarly insights into the comprehension and application of these significant issues by looking at theoretical and empirical aspects. It focuses on values, ethics, and internal guidance in fostering ethical behaviours and deterring deviant conduct. The study provides valuable insights into the interplay between human governance, Dark Triad traits, and deviant workplace behavior. However, it acknowledges limitations in generalizing findings across different organizational contexts. Further empirical research is needed to validate the effectiveness of human governance principles in mitigating deviant behaviours. The findings offer practical implications for organizational management in promoting human governance principles to cultivate a culture of integrity, transparency, and accountability, reducing the likelihood of Dark Triad traits and deterring the deviant behaviours among employees. The study contributes to existing literature by exploring the role of human governance in addressing these issues.

Unmasking the dark triad: exploring its relationship with attitudes toward intimate partner violence

PurposeAlthough it is a relatively recent conceptualization of malevolent personality, the dark triad (DT) has been widely researched and shown to be responsible for increases in physical violence, controlling behavior, short-term mating preferences and poor relationship quality. This study aims to investigate whether DT traits predict acceptance toward intimate partner violence (IPV) in the general population, addressing a gap in the literature regarding predictors of harmful attitudes toward romantic relationships.Design/methodology/approachIn total, 150 adults aged 18–74 (76% women) completed two self-report questionnaires: the short DT and the IPV attitude scale-revised.FindingsA series of hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted, with gender as predictor in the first models and DT traits added as predictors in second models. The results showed that male participants were more accepting of IPV than female participants. Over and above the contribution of gender, psychopathy and Machiavellianism positively predicted overall IPV acceptance, but narcissism did not. Psychopathy and Machiavellianism positively predicted acceptance of psychological abuse, and psychopathy positively predicted acceptance of controlling behaviors. Narcissism did not predict any facet of IPV acceptance.Originality/valueTo the best of the authors’ knowledge, as the first study to explore the roles of DT traits in acceptance of IPV behaviors, the results contribute to the understanding of how these traits may predispose individuals to harmful intimate partner behaviors. These findings can inform IPV prevention efforts to aid in the early identification of individuals who hold maladaptive beliefs surrounding romantic relationships.

Sex and Sexual Orientation Differences in Dark Triad Traits, Sexual Excitation/Inhibition, and Sociosexuality.

The present study sought to investigate sex and sexual orientation differences in several traits related to sexuality and sexual behavior. Examining sexual orientation differences alongside basic sex differences to help identify correlates of sexual orientation diversity, and whether individuals with varying degrees of same-sex attraction show concurrent sex-atypical shifts in other domains. Males tend to score higher than females in the Dark Triad (DT) traits of sub-clinical narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. Similarly, females tend to be more cautious than males in their attitudes and desires toward casual sex activity (i.e., sociosexuality). These sex differences may be related to the propensity for individuals to become easily sexually excited, which is higher in males, or to instead inhibit sexual arousal, which is higher in females. In a large undergraduate sample (N = 2047), we replicated expected sex differences in DT traits, sociosexuality, and sexual excitation/inhibition. We found that non-heterosexual females were "male-shifted" in some of these traits, but these shifts tended to be strongest among mostly heterosexual and bisexual individuals. Furthermore, we found that within-sex variation in sociosexuality, sexual excitation, and sexual inhibition was not related to sexual orientation in a linear fashion. Instead, sociosexuality and sexual excitation were related to sexual orientation in a curvilinear (inverted-U) fashion, especially among females. The fact that traits correlated with bisexuality and homosexuality were somewhat distinct is consistent with the idea that different developmental pathways may lead to these discrete sexual attraction patterns.