The Dark Triad and Relationship Processes Hypotheses
The dark triad is composed of three correlated but not equivalent traits; psychopathy,
narcissism, and Machiavellianism. All three traits are related to a socially malevolent character,
which includes tendencies to exhibit emotional coldness, self-promotion, duplicity, and
aggressiveness, as well as being negatively correlated to low agreeableness (Paulhus and
Williams, 2002).
However, individually the traits do differ. Machiavellianism is associated with a
manipulative personality, they are self-interested and often use deception, and are cool towards
others. They may reap benefits for themselves at the expense of others. On the other hand,
narcissism is associated with a sense of entitlement, as well as seeking prestige, attention, and
status (Jonason, Li, Webster, & Schmitt, 2009). Different still is psychopathy, which is related to
high impulsivity and thrill seeking, as well as low empathy and anxiety (Paulhus and Williams,
2002).
These traits have been examined in short-term relationships, and it has been found that
people high on these traits prefer short-term mating, have higher sociosexuality, and have more
sexual partners (Jonason et al., 2009). However, research has not examined the dark triad and
long-term relationships. This study will examine people high on dark triad traits and the
behaviour they engage in in a long-term romantic relationship. Various scales will examine
relationship behaviour: relationship satisfaction, inclusion of the self and other, relationship
boredom, the modified investment model scale, and willingness to sacrifice.
Relationship satisfaction
It is hypothesized that high scores on dark triad traits will be negatively correlated with
relationship satisfaction, that is, people high on the dark triad will tend to be less satisfied with
their relationship. It has been shown that relationship satisfaction is negatively correlated to
ludos, or game-playing love (Hendrick , 1988). However, people high in the dark triad are likely
to engage in game-playing love, especially those high in Machiavellianism, who often
manipulate others for their own benefit. This may be perceived as game-playing in a relationship.
As well, relationship satisfaction is positively correlated with commitment and relationship
investment (Hendrick 1988). Dark triad traits do not indicate investing in people other than the
self, or committing to another person. Machiavellianists are self-interested (Jonason et al., 2009),
and psychopaths are impulsive (Paulhus and Williams, 2002). These traits would not coincide
well with commitment to one person, and investing in a relationship that includes another person.
Inclusion of the other in the self
It is hypothesized that scores on the dark triad measure will be negatively correlated with
scores on the inclusion of the other and the self scale.
This scale is created to measure people’s sense of interconnectedness with their partner, it
is related to the collective aspect of the self that someone shares with their partner (Aron, Aron,
& Smollan, 1992). The dark triad traits are very individualistic, and are interested in their own
self-interest, especially Machiavellianism and narcissism (Jonason et al., 2009). It is unlikely a
person high on the dark triad would consider it in their best interest to closely include themselves
with another person, therefore they would have lower scores on this measure.
Relationship Boredom
It is hypothesized that scores on the dark triad will be positively correlated with
relationship boredom; people high on the dark triad will be more bored in their relationships.
Relationship boredom is the lack of positivity, intimacy, and communication in a relationship. It
is also slightly correlated with general boredom, although this correlation is not strong
(Harasymchuk, and Fehr, 2011). People high in the dark triad are only interested in things that
benefit themselves (Jonason et al., 2009), so it is unlikely they would take the time to foster
intimacy and communication in a relationship that does not directly benefit themselves. As well,
narcissists look for attention (Jonason et al., 2009), if they are not receiving constant attention in
their relationship they may feel they do not have positive affect and rate their relationship as
boring. Psychopaths are thrill seeking and impulsive (Paulhus and Williams, 2002), which is
likely related to becoming bored easily in general, which in turn is slightly correlated to
relationship boredom (Harasymchuk and Fehr, 2011).
Modified Investment Model Scale
It is hypothesized that scores on the dark triad will be negatively correlated with scores
on the modified investment model scale.
This scale is designed to measure satisfaction, quality of alternatives, commitment level,
and investment size. It is based on interdependence theory, measuring how much the individual
feels they need their relationship, based on satisfaction level and quality of alternatives. It also
measures commitment, which is the psychological attachment towards ones partner, and the
intention towards persisting in the relationship (Lehmiller and Agnew, 2006). It has already been
hypothesized people high on dark triad traits would have lower relationship satisfaction. As well,
they are likely to rate quality of alternatives as higher. Jonason, Li, and Buss (2010) found the
individuals high on dark triad traits are more likely to poach mates already in relationships, be
poached themselves, and have their mates poached. It seems these individuals are always on the
lookout for a better partner. Narcissists in particular have a sense of entitlement (Jonason et al.,
2009) and may believe they can always find a better partner. As well, machiavellianists are selfserving (Jonason et al., 2009), and may be on the lookout for a mate that can better serve them.
Psychopaths have low anxiety (Paulhus and Williams, 2002), so they would not be bothered by
the idea of losing investments should their relationship break up. For this reason, they will not be
as invested in their relationship.
Willingness to sacrifice
It is hypothesized individuals high in dark triad traits would be less willing to sacrifice
personal things for their relationship.
Individual’s willingness to sacrifice is related to their desire to avoid harming the
relationship. It is positively correlated with commitment level, investment size, and relationship
satisfaction, and is negatively correlated with higher quality of alternatives (Van Lange, Rusbult,
Drigotas, Arriaga, Witcher, & Cox, 1997). Many of these correlates have already been
hypothesized to be negatively correlated with the dark triad, including commitment level and
relationship satisfaction. People high in the dark triad are also likely to be positively correlated
with quality of alternatives. From this alone they would be less willing to sacrifice personal
things for their relationship.
As well, all traits are self-serving and are correlated with low agreeableness (Paulhus and
Williams, 2002), so it is unlikely they would sacrifice a personal interest to benefit their partner.
References
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