Dark Triad Traits Research Articles

CEO dark triad traits and organization COVID-19 response: the mediating effect of COVID-19 anxiety and moderating effect of follower self-leadership

PurposeThis research aims to examine the influence of Chief Executive Officer (CEO) dark triad traits, follower COVID-19 anxiety and self-leadership on follower evaluations of the effectiveness of organizations’ response to the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.Design/methodology/approachIn this paper data were collected over two time periods. At time 1, mid-October 2021, 650 participants responded to questions on their CEO’s leadership traits and self-leadership. At time 2, (3-week lag) 275 matched individual responses provided followers’ evaluations of the effectiveness of the organization’s COVID-19 response and follower self-leadership.FindingsCEO dark triad traits had direct and indirect negative effects on followers’ evaluations of the organization’s COVID-19 response (through COVID-19 anxiety). Follower self-leadership mitigated the negative effects.Research limitations/implicationsBy examining the moderating role of self-leadership, we can offer organizations evidence-based strategies to mitigate some harmful effects of leaders exhibiting dark triad traits.Practical implicationsGiven that organizations are still dealing with the ongoing ramifications of COVID-19 and planning for future crises, our findings emphasize the negative effects of dark traits on COVID-19 anxiety, and in turn, on follower’s evaluation of effective organization response to a crisis, highlighting the importance of top-level leader selection.Social implicationsOur results bolster Manz’s (1986) argument that self-leadership might be key to achieving peak performance in organizations and important for follower well-being.Originality/valueThis study of dark traits is especially important in a crisis context to understand how leaders affect followers’ perceptions about organizational outcomes and factors that might mediate or moderate the negative impact. Despite interest in understanding leadership during a crisis, the majority of research is focused on positive traits of leaders (Palmer et al., 2020).

Investigating the relationship between non-consensual condom removal and the dark triad of personality

ABSTRACT Whilst some research has been conducted into those who engage in non-consensual condom removal, the aim of the study was to explore the relationship between Dark Triad of Personality traits (i.e. machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) and arousal from, intention to engage in, and reported behavioural history of non-consensual condom removal (i.e. stealthing), which is a type of sexual violence. Results found that there were associations between all Dark Triad traits and all types of condom use resistance; individuals who were aroused by stealthing scenarios and who reported a behavioural history of stealthing scored significantly higher on machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy compared to those who were not aroused by or did not report a behavioural history of stealthing. Psychopathy and narcissism were found to be significant predictors of a person’s reported intention to engage in stealthing behaviour. Future research into the relationship between Dark Triad and other types of personality traits and stealthing behaviour is needed to inform assessment, prevention, and treatment for perpetrators of this type of sexual violence.

How Dark Is the Core of Dark Personality Traits?

Abstract: Previous research on the organizing structure of the Dark Triad (DT) personality traits has consistently found support for the presence of a strong commonality among the DT traits. However, such research has typically relied on a data collection method (e.g., single-source data, multiple traits measured together at the same time) that increases the likelihood of common method variance (CMV) that can artifactually increase the covariance between item scores. In the current study, we administered the 27-item Short Dark Triad (SD3) to 509 working adults in South Korea. Specifically, we added a procedural remedy to mitigate the effect of CMV (temporal separation of 2–5 days between measures), then used a bifactor model to extract a general core of the DT traits along with specific variance that is unique to each trait. Then, we calculated several model-based psychometric indices (omega coefficients, explained common variance) to examine the relative strength of the general and specific variances. Additionally, we examined the degree to which unique variance associated with each DT trait provides incremental validity beyond prediction provided by the commonality among the DT traits for predicting counterproductive work behavior. Results showed that the empirical overlap among the DT traits was not as strong as indicated in previous research.

Perceptions of ethical misconduct scale development

ABSTRACT Despite organizational ethical training programs, some employees still engage in unethical behavior. As such, organizational researchers have sought to examine why employees engage in unethical behavior and whether interventions can improve ethical misconduct. While some instruments measure moral development or ethical/unethical behaviors toward the organization, this study utilized a unique scale which evaluates perceptions of ethical misconduct (PEMS). Data from a large Midwestern university, a large Southeastern university, and Amazon’s Mechanical Turk were used in the analyses. An exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used in the creation of the PEMS. To examine the validity of the scale, the PEMS was correlated to scales which measure Dark Triad traits and Counterproductive Work Behaviors (CWBs). Findings showed a significant positive correlation between the PEMS and both scales. The results also show that the PEMS mediates the relationship between psychopathy and CWBs.

A person-centered approach to the dark triad traits and religiousness: Examining differences in intellectual humility, prosociality, and mental health in U.S. college students.

A person-centered approach to the dark triad traits and religiousness: Examining differences in intellectual humility, prosociality, and mental health in U.S. college students.

Uncovering Hidden Framings in Dark Triad Self-Ratings: What Frames-of-Reference Do People Use When Responding to Generic Dark Triad Items?

In typical Dark Triad (DT) questionnaires, generic items oftentimes refer to "others" or "people" in general. Hence, respondents have to mentally aggregate their behavior across several kinds of "others" (e.g., work colleagues, family members, and friends). It remains unknown if individuals consider different kinds of interaction partners equally or if their self-reports contain "hidden" interaction partner-specific tendencies. To shed light on this issue, we assessed generic and contextualized DT items (referring to family, friends, work, and strangers; N = 814 from the general population). The correlated trait-correlated (method - 1) model was used to investigate preregistered research questions. On average, generic DT items showed the strongest association with work-contextualized DT items and the weakest association with family-contextualized DT items. However, the associations varied considerably across DT items and traits. In sum, our results suggest that hidden framings exist in some DT items, which may impact their ability to predict relevant criteria due to contextual (a)symmetries. The generalizability of the findings to other DT instruments, items, and participant groups should be examined in future research.

Re-exploring the relationships of humor styles with dark triad and self-esteem using structural equation modelling

Previous relationships between Dark Triad and Humor styles are theoretically difficult to interpret since Dark Triad traits present general and specific sources of variance. In the present study, we used structural equation modelling techniques to allow us to separate the two sources and detect which source of variance of Dark Triad plays the main role in the relationship observed with Humor styles. Similarly, it was tested if relationships among measures of Self-esteem and Humor styles are replicated at structural level. Moreover, the vast majority of previous studies have been conducted with university samples, which represents a limitation. Hence, a series of bi-factor models to test the relationship between Dark Triad and Humor styles and structural models for Self-esteem and Humor styles were fitted on a community sample of 987 Spanish people. Results suggest that the common variance of the Dark Triad traits was mainly responsible for the reported relationships with Humor styles. It is noteworthy that relations reported for Aggressive and Self-defeating humor styles were higher than those observed in previous studies. Similarly, a higher correlation between Self-esteem and Self-defeating was observed at the structural level. Futures studies are suggested to better establish the psychological reasons behind these relationships.

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the healthiest of them all – The surprising role of narcissism in state-level health outcomes

This study investigates narcissism's role in state-level health outcomes across the U.S. While often seen as maladaptive, narcissism's adaptive aspects, like self-enhancement, might promote better health. Analyzing data from 4,230 participants in 38 states, we explore the link between dark triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) and health outcomes. States with higher narcissism had lower obesity and depression rates, and a lower likelihood of heart failure and hypertension deaths. However, these states reported less sleep and higher demand for plastic surgeons. This study is the first to provide a nuanced understanding of the complex interplay between dark triad traits and health on the state level, with significant implications for public health policies and interventions.

Functional and dysfunctional impulsivity mediates the relationships between 'Dark Triad' traits and cyberbullying perpetration.

Cyberbullying perpetration and victimisation have been associated with psychological distress, including depression and suicidal ideation. Prior studies have shown that the 'Dark Triad' personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) are associated with greater likelihood of perpetration, yet there is a research gap regarding potential mediators of this relationship. To test whether functional and dysfunctional impulsivity act as mediators between Dark Triad traits and cyberbullying perpetration. A cross-sectional online study was conducted, in which a sample of 141 university students (63% male) from Malaysia were recruited by online and local poster advertising inviting them to complete a questionnaire containing a series of psychometric scales, including measures of 'Dark Triad' personality traits, impulsivity and cyberbullying perpetration. A relationship between cyberbullying perpetration and higher psychopathy scale scores was mediated by dysfunctional, but not functional, impulsivity. The relationship between cyberbullying and narcissism scores was not mediated by impulsivity. Higher Machiavellianism scores were similarly associated with cyberbullying, but there was no correlation at all between Machiavellianism and impulsivity scores. Our findings add to the literature by showing that not only Dark Triad scale scores are associated with cyberbullying, but that difficulty in refraining from or controlling impulsive behaviours (dysfunctional impulsivity) may be a key component in this relationship. Given that our sample was of generally well-functioning people, our findings may not extend to those with serious cyberbullying problems. Yet, they provide avenues for identifying people at risk of such behaviours before problems become well-established and call for more nuanced approaches towards understanding and intervening with problematic cyberbullying.

Dark triad personality traits are associated with decreased grey matter volumes in 'social brain' structures.

Personality traits and the degree of their prominence determine various aspects of social interactions. Some of the most socially relevant traits constitute the Dark Triad - narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism - associated with antisocial behaviour, disregard for moral norms, and a tendency to manipulation. Sufficient data point at the existence of Dark Triad 'profiles' distinguished by trait prominence. Currently, neuroimaging studies have mainly concentrated on the neuroanatomy of individual dark traits, while the Dark Triad profile structure has been mostly overlooked. We performed a clustering analysis of the Dirty Dozen Dark Triad questionnaire scores of 129 healthy subjects using the k-means method. The variance ratio criterion (VRC) was used to determine the optimal number of clusters for the current data. The two-sample t-test within the framework of voxel-based morphometry (VBM) was performed to test the hypothesised differences in grey matter volume (GMV) for the obtained groups. Clustering analysis revealed 2 groups of subjects, both with low-to-mid and mid-to-high levels of Dark Triad traits prominence. A further VBM analysis of these groups showed that a higher level of Dark Triad traits may manifest itself in decreased grey matter volumes in the areas related to emotional regulation (the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the cingulate cortex), as well as those included in the reward system (the ventral striatum, the orbitofrontal cortex). The obtained results shed light on the neurobiological basis underlying social interactions associated with the Dark Triad and its profiles.

“I deserve better grades.” Compliance-gaining perspective of dark triad traits, power distance and academic entitlement in Chinese higher education

PurposeDark triad (DT) personality traits, that is, Machiavellianism, narcissism and psychopathy, are socially unenthusiastic and predict a range of antisocial behaviors. Academic entitlement, similarly, demonstrates the students’ rising temptation of higher grades without putting corresponding efforts. Based on coercion theory, this research investigated power distance as mediator between DT and academic entitlement (externalized responsibility and entitled expectations). Further, this study examined DT model of personality as a predictor of academic entitlement in Chinese higher education institutions (HEIs).Design/methodology/approachChinese HEIs were ascertained for data collection. Students (with bachelor’s, master’s and Ph.D. degrees) responded to 719 questionnaires for data analysis. Hypothesized relationships were examined through partial least squares structural equation model (PLS-SEM).FindingsThis study established positive and significant direct link between DT and academic entitlement. The indirect effect through power distance was found insignificant between the relationship of DT and academic entitlement.Originality/valueBased on coercion theory, this study extends the prevailing literature through unexplored effects of DT on academic entitlement and role of power distance in Chinese HEIs. This study validated the effect of DT on academic entitlement; however, direct-only no-mediation of power distance between the relationships is novel in Chinese HEIs. Moreover, power distance as mediator is novel between the relationships. Hence, this study provides an understanding of mentioned associations and contributes to the literature.

Men with high dark triad personality traits can accurately infer dark triad traits from other people's faces.

The literature suggests that people can accurately infer dark triad (DT) personality traits from other peoples' faces. Using a self-report scale, this study investigated the impact of participants' DT personality traits on their ability to accurately infer other peoples' DT traits from facial cues. We created composite facial photographs of Japanese people with varying Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism scores. The Japanese participants (N = 170) assessed these three DT traits in the facial photographs and completed a questionnaire that assessed their own DT traits. The results indicated that the participants could accurately infer all three DT traits from female faces but not from male faces. Male participants showed a positive correlation between accurate inferences of other men's Machiavellianism and their own DT traits. In contrast, female participants showed a negative correlation between correct inferences of men's DT traits and their own DT traits. These findings offer novel insights into human evolutionary and social adaptations.

Psychological Safety and Work Design as Mediators of Supervisors' Dark Triad Traits Impact on Nurses' Task Performance.

This study investigates how nurse supervisors' Dark Triad personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) influence nurses' task performance, mediated by perceptions of enriched work design (autonomy, task variety, social support, safe work conditions, feedback quality) and psychological safety. A multisource approach was used to collect data from 256 manager-nurse dyads across various healthcare settings. Nurses completed surveys assessing their work design and psychological safety. Managers completed a self-assessment of Dark Triad traits and rated their nurse subordinates' task performance. Confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling (SEM) were used for analysis. Supervisors' Dark Triad traits core component impacted nurses' task performance indirectly, mediated by psychological safety and nurses' perceptions of their enriched work design. Psychopathic traits revealed a significant direct negative effect on nurses' performance, while other Dark Triad traits did not show direct effects. This study sheds light on key factors influencing nurses' performance, offering insights for healthcare organizations aiming to optimize work environments and improve team effectiveness.

The dark side of mental toughness: a meta-analysis of the relationship between the dark triad traits and mental toughness.

This meta-analysis investigates the relationships between the Dark Triad personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy) and mental toughness. Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the influence of these traits on mental toughness. The objective of this meta-analysis is to synthesize existing literature and provide a comprehensive understanding of how Dark Triad traits correlate with mental toughness. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in 7 databases, Data were extracted by correlation and analyzed using a random-effects model. The results yielding 27 effect sizes with a total of 12,378 participants, revealed a significant moderate positive association between narcissism and mental toughness (r = 0.327, p < 0.001), suggesting that individuals with higher levels of narcissism tend to exhibit greater mental toughness. However, no significant associations were found between Machiavellianism (r = 0.023, p = 0.719) or psychopathy (r = -0.022, p = 0.625) and mental toughness. The findings contribute to a more nuanced understanding of the Dark Triad traits and their differential associations with adaptive psychological constructs, highlighting the unique role of narcissism in mental toughness. This meta-analysis provides valuable insights for future research and practical applications in fostering adaptive aspects of narcissism while mitigating its potential maladaptive consequences.

Gender Differences in the Relationships Between Empathic Tendencies, Dark Triad Traits and Personality Traits in Student Actors

Gender Differences in the Relationships Between Empathic Tendencies, Dark Triad Traits and Personality Traits in Student Actors

Dark Triad Traits and Marital Burnout among Couples

Dark Triad Traits and Marital Burnout among Couples

Materialism, the Dark Triad Traits, and Money Management among Undergraduate Students

Materialism, the Dark Triad Traits, and Money Management among Undergraduate Students

КОНЦЕПЦИЯ ХАРИЗМАТИЧЕСКОГО ЛИДЕРСТВА: СОВРЕМЕННОЕ СОСТОЯНИЕ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ

The article considers modern issues in the study of charismatic leadership. It notes theoretical limitations of the study of charismatic leadership: the uncertainty of charisma and the factors of its formation, the uncertainty of the processes of influence of the leader on followers, the emphasis on dyadic processes, ignoring the dynamics of the development of charismatic leadership. It also considers as newest concept, the theory of charisma as a value-based symbolic and emotional signal of a leader. The author emphasizes the role of moral emotions and embodied signals associated with bodily experience in the formation of charismatic leadership. She shows that personal predictors of charisma are cognitive abilities and the Big Five factors. Charismatic leadership is found to foster growth in organizing the civil society, in the group and organizational effectiveness. There is also an indication of the importance of the charisma concept as a symbolic and emotional signal for the practice of management and personnel management. Directions for further study of charismatic leadership are outlined: expanding qualitative research, using experimental strategies, searching for objective indicators of charisma, identifying personal predictors of charisma, including gender characteristics, Dark Triad traits, non-academic types of intelligence, studying the connection between charisma and the emotional sphere of a leader, studying the development of charismatic leadership taking into account cultural, professional and organizational context.

Predicting Marital Conflicts through the Dark Triad of Personality with the Mediation of Ego Strength in Women Seeking Divorce

Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the relationship between distress tolerance, Dark Triad personality traits, and marital conflict, with ego strength as a mediating variable, in women seeking divorce. Methods and Materials: The study utilized a descriptive-correlational design and included a sample of women seeking divorce who visited marital counseling clinics in District 3 of Tehran during the spring of 2024. Data were collected using self-report questionnaires: the Marital Conflict Questionnaire, the Short Dark Triad Personality Questionnaire (SD3), and the Psychological Ego Strength Inventory (PIES). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed for data analysis. Findings: The results revealed that distress tolerance had an indirect and significant effect on marital conflict through the mediation of ego strength (β = -0.366, p = 0.001). Among the Dark Triad traits, Machiavellianism showed an indirect and significant effect on marital conflict (β = 0.170, p = 0.001), while psychopathy and narcissism did not exhibit significant indirect effects. Narcissism had a direct positive effect on marital conflict (β = 0.275, p = 0.000), whereas psychopathy and Machiavellianism did not have direct effects. Ego strength had a significant negative effect on marital conflict (β = -0.595, p = 0.000). Conclusion: Machiavellianism indirectly influences marital conflict through the reduction of ego strength, while narcissism has a direct positive effect on conflict. Ego strength plays a key role in reducing marital conflict, suggesting that interventions aimed at enhancing ego strength and addressing manipulative personality traits may be effective in mitigating marital conflict among women.

The Dark Triad Personality: The Impact and How to Manage at Work

This article is based on a literature review on the dark personality. The Dark Triad personality traits encompass malevolent and socially aversive characteristics and have been associated with a wide range of behaviors and outcomes, including short-term mating strategies, socially aversive outcomes, selfish and exploitative behaviors, and career-related implications. Understanding the implications of these traits is crucial for promoting responsible and ethical conduct in various contexts. The Dark Triad personality traits encompass malevolent and socially aversive characteristics and have been associated with a wide range of behaviors and outcomes, including short-term mating strategies, socially aversive outcomes, selfish and exploitative behaviors, and career-related implications. Understanding the implications of these traits is crucial for promoting responsible and ethical conduct in various contexts. The identification of Dark Triad traits has been approached using various measures and assessments, allowing researchers to explore the malevolent and socially aversive characteristics associated with narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism in different contexts and populations.