Dark Triad traits, infidelity and romantic revenge



Brewer, Gayle ORCID: 0000-0003-0690-4548, Hunt, Danielle, James, Gail and Abell, Loren
(2015) Dark Triad traits, infidelity and romantic revenge. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES, 83. pp. 122-127.

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Abstract

Dark Triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism and psychopathy) are characterized by manipulation, emotional coldness, and a lack of empathy. The current studies investigated the influence of Dark Triad traits on heterosexual women's infidelity and romantic revenge. For Study 1, women (N= 102) completed the Mach IV, NPI-16, Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, bespoke Infidelity Experience Scale, Intentions Towards Infidelity Scale, and Susceptibility to Infidelity Instrument. Findings demonstrated that Dark Triad traits predict prior experience of infidelity, intentions to engage in infidelity and perceived susceptibility to a partner's infidelity. Narcissism and secondary psychopathy were the most influential traits. For Study 2, women (N= 108) completed the aforementioned Dark Triad trait measures and responded to a hypothetical scenario describing a partner's infidelity. Dark Triad traits predicted each type of revenge assessed except willingness to terminate the relationship. Secondary psychopathy was the only Dark Triad trait to emerge as a significant individual predictor. Together, these studies demonstrate that Dark Triad traits predict women's own infidelity, their perceived vulnerability to a partner's infidelity and revenge in response to this infidelity. Findings also highlight the importance of distinguishing between primary and secondary psychopathy.

Item Type: Article
Uncontrolled Keywords: Dark Triad, Infidelity, Machiavellianism, Narcissism, Psychopathy, Revenge
Depositing User: Symplectic Admin
Date Deposited: 22 Aug 2018 07:51
Last Modified: 19 Jan 2023 01:26
DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2015.04.007
Related URLs:
URI: https://livrepository.liverpool.ac.uk/id/eprint/3025376