An actor–partner interdependence model of the Dark Triad and aggression in couples: Relationship duration moderates the link between psychopathy and argumentativeness. (October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Webster, Gregory D.; Gesselman, Amanda N.; Crysel, Laura C.; Brunell, Amy B.; Jonason, Peter K.; Hadden, Benjamin W.; Smith, C. Veronica
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 101(2016)
• Page Start: 196
• Page End: 207
• Publication Date: 2016-10
• Subjects: Actor–partner interdependence model -- Aggression -- Argumentativeness -- Brief Aggression Questionnaire -- Couples -- Dark Triad -- Displaced Aggression Questionnaire -- Romantic relationships; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2016.05.065
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: Prior research has examined links between Dark Triad traits—Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and narcissism—and aggression in individuals, but not couples . Dating heterosexual couples self-reported measures of the Dark Triad and aggression (trait and displaced; Study 1) or negativity (Study 2). Actor–partner interdependence models showed positive links between (a) women's psychopathy and women's trait and displaced aggression (actor effects), and (b) men's psychopathy and women's trait aggression (partner effect). Positive actor effects also linked narcissism to displaced aggression. Using integrative data analysis to combine Studies 1 and 2, relationship duration moderated actor and partner effects linking psychopathy to women's argumentativeness (negativity and verbal aggression); men in longer relationships and women in shorter relationships had psychopathy–argumentativeness slopes that were especially positive. Highlights: Examined links among Dark Triad traits and aggression measures in romantic couples Psychopathy tended to show the strongest and most consistent links with aggression. Relationship duration moderated the psychopathy–women's argumentativeness links.