A gender role view of the Dark Triad traits. (15th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jonason, Peter K.; Davis, Mark D.
• Is Part Of: Personality and individual differences. Volume 125(2018)
• Page Start: 102
• Page End: 105
• Publication Date: 2018-04-15
• Subjects: Dark Triad -- Psychopathy -- Machiavellianism -- Narcissism -- Masculinity -- Femininity -- Sex differences; Personality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Individuality -- Periodicals; Personality Development -- Periodicals; Personnalité -- Périodiques; Individualité -- Périodiques; 155.205
• DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2018.01.004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0191-8869

Abstract

Abstract: In two college-student samples from Australia ( N = 305) and Alabama ( N = 207), we examined how the Dark Triad traits (i.e., narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism) were correlated with individual differences in gender roles and whether gender roles can account for sex differences in the Dark Triad traits. In Study 1, the Dark Triad traits were associated with less femininity and more masculinity and sex differences in the traits were mediated by femininity only. In Study 2, psychopathy and Machiavellianism were associated with less femininity and narcissism and psychopathy were associated with more masculinity and we replicated the mediation for psychopathy and Machiavellianism. We discuss how the gender roles may be part of the coordinated systems of adaptations that comprise the Dark Triad traits. Highlights: Psychopathy and Machiavellianism are low in femininity. Narcissism is high in masculinity and low in femininity. Sex differences in the Dark Triad are mediated by femininity.