AbstractThis survey (N¼224) found that characteristics collectively known as the Dark Triad (i.e. narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism) were correlated with various dimensions of short-term mating but not long-term mating. The link between the Dark Triad and shortterm mating was stronger for men than for women. The Dark Triad partially mediated the sex difference in short-term mating behaviour. Findings are consistent with a view that the Dark Triad facilitates an exploitative, short-term mating strategy in men. Possible implications, including that Dark Triad traits represent a bundle of individual differences that promote a reproductively adaptive strategy are discussed. Findings are discussed in the broad context of how an evolutionary approach to personality psychology can enhance our understanding of individual differences.
Excerpted from article:
"...In a mating context, those high on the Dark Triad traits may be especially well suited for an exploitative, short-term approach. For example, all three traits are correlated with low agreeableness (Bradlee & Emmons, 1992; Paulhus, 2001; Paulhus & Williams, 2002), which is associated with conflict in long-term relationships (Buss, 1991b) and marital dissatisfaction (Botwin, Buss, & Shackelford, 1997). Machiavellianism is associated with promiscuous, as well as, sexually coercive behaviour (McHoskey, 2001). Narcissists tend to have an unrestricted sociosexuality (Foster et al., 2006) and higher levels of infidelity (Campbell, Foster, Finkel, 2002a). Narcissist find it easy to start new relationships (Bradlee & Emmons, 1992), but are less committed to and interested in staying in existing relationships (Campbell & Foster, 2002; Foster et al., 2006), hence, they may pursue exploitative short-term matings to improve their own reproductive interests at the expense of their partners (Rowe, 1995). We predicted that the three individual measures associated with the Dark Triad—narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism—would be positively associated with behavioural and attitudinal measures of short-term mating..."
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