Negative traits, positive assortment: Revisiting the Dark Triad and a preference for similar others. (April 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kay, Cameron S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of social and personal relationships. Volume 38:Number 4(2021)
• Page Start: 1259
• Page End: 1278
• Publication Date: 2021-04
• Subjects: Dark Triad -- long-term relationships -- Machiavellianism -- narcissism -- personality -- positive assortment -- psychopathy -- short-term relationships; Interpersonal relations -- Periodicals; Social interaction -- Periodicals; 302.05
• DOI: 10.1177/0265407521989820
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0265-4075

Abstract

Across two studies ( N TOTAL = 933), a person's willingness to engage in a relationship with those scoring high in each of the Dark Triad traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) was examined as a function of their own levels of the Dark Triad traits and the relationship type in question (i.e., a one-night stand, a dating relationship, or a marriage). There were three notable findings. First, those scoring high in Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy were more willing to engage in a relationship with a person who was also high in Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy, respectively. Second, as the commitment level of the relationship increased, so did a narcissistic individual's willingness to engage in a relationship with a fellow narcissist. Third, psychopathic people were generally interested in having one-night stands, seemingly without concern for the personality traits of the other person involved. Results are discussed in relation to assortative mating.