Dark Triad traits and perceived quality of alternative partners

Highlights

• We investigated Dark Triad traits and perceived quality of alternative partners.

• Narcissism and Machiavellianism predicted acknowledgement of alternative partners.

• Primary and secondary psychopathy did not predict perceived quality.

Abstract

Those high on Dark Triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) report poor quality romantic relationships and greater susceptibility to infidelity. The present study investigated the relationship between Dark Triad traits and the perceived quality of alternative partners. Heterosexual women (NȂ=Ȃ379) aged 17–63 years (M = 26.93, SD = 10.78) completed the NPI-16, Mach IV, Levenson Self-Report Psychopathy Scale, and Quality of Alternatives Scale. A multiple hierarchical regression revealed that the Dark Triad traits predicted perceived quality of alternatives when controlling for participant age and relationship length. Narcissism and Machiavellianism were the only significant individual predictors, such that women high on narcissism or Machiavellianism were more likely to acknowledge the availability of alternative relationships. Increased awareness of alternative mates may, in part, contribute to previously reported associations between these traits, poor quality relationships, and infidelity.

Introduction

Dark Triad traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) are distinct but related personality traits characterised by emotional detachment, a manipulative interpersonal style, and lack of empathy (Paulhus & Williams, 2002). Previous research demonstrates that Dark Triad traits influence partner and relationship preference. In particular, those high on Dark Triad traits are less discriminating when selecting partners and display a preference for short-term relationships with low levels of commitment (e.g., Jonason, Luevano, & Adams, 2012). Those high on Dark Triad traits are also more susceptible to infidelity (e.g., Jones & Weiser, 2014) which could, in part, reflect greater acknowledgement of available partners. The present study examines the relationship between Dark Triad traits and the perceived quality of alternative partners. i.e., the extent to which an individual's needs could be fulfilled by others.

Narcissism is defined by superiority and entitled self-importance (Krizan & Herlache, 2018). For example, those high on narcissism typically believe that they are more desirable than their relationship partner (Campbell, Rudich, & Sedikides, 2002). Narcissism is also associated with attentiveness to alternative partners and infidelity (Brewer, Hunt, James, & Abell, 2015; Campbell & Foster, 2002), suggesting that women high on narcissism will be more likely to acknowledge that their needs could be met by other mates. In part, this may reflect the desire to attract alternative (higher quality) partners in order to enhance their self-esteem and social status.

Machiavellianism is characterised by cynicism, manipulation, and a willingness to exploit others (Christie & Geis, 1970). The trait is associated with low commitment to romantic partners (Jonason & Buss, 2012), increased willingness to engage in infidelity (Brewer & Abell, 2015), and resistance to a partner's mate guarding behaviour (Abell & Brewer, 2016). Those high on Machiavellianism also view others as a ‘means to an end’ and engage in sexual behaviour in order to achieve a specific goal, such as an increase in resources or social status (Brewer & Abell, 2015). Hence, Machiavellianism should be associated with an increased awareness and evaluation of potential relationship partners.

Psychopathy is associated with callousness, impulsivity, and self-centred behaviour (Hare, 1996). The trait can be further categorised as primary and secondary psychopathy (Levenson, Kiehl, & Fitzpatrick, 1995). Primary psychopathy relates to emotional coldness and self-interested behaviour whereas secondary psychopathy is characterised by impulsive antisocial behaviour. Those high on primary psychopathy are more likely to engage in mate poaching (as both the poacher and individual being poached) and display a preference for low levels of relationship exclusivity (Khan, Brewer, Kim, & Munoz Centifanti, 2017). Research also indicates that secondary psychopathy is associated with intentions to engage in infidelity and negatively related to intimacy (Ali & Chamorro-Premuzic, 2010; Brewer, Hunt, James, & Abell, 2015).

The present study examines the relationships between narcissism, Machiavellianism, (primary and secondary) psychopathy, and the perceived quality of alternative romantic partners. Previous research has often conceptualised Dark Triad traits as facilitating an exploitative male mating strategy, consistent with higher levels of Dark Triad traits in men compared to women and greater male interest in short-term relationships. However, some studies identify no sex differences in Dark Triad trait levels and Dark Triad traits influence women's behaviour in both short and long-term relationships (Carter, Campbell, & Muncer, 2014). Hence, there is a need for additional female oriented research and we focus our attention on Dark Triad traits and women's perceptions of alternative partners. We predict that women high on each Dark Triad trait will be more likely to acknowledge the availability of attractive alternative partners.