Abstract
Gender Differences in Presentations of the Dark Triad Traits Within an Interpersonal Context
Considering the frequently conflicting research outcomes regarding the manifestation of the Dark Triad traits across genders, this study aimed at identifying potential gender differences in the traits of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy in terms of their placement on the interpersonal circumplex (IPC). The IPC allows for the mapping of interpersonal styles on a circular space defined by two orthogonal dimensions, namely agency (dominance) and communion (friendliness). A sample of 280 South African university students (49 men, 231 women) completed the Short Dark Triad (SD3) and Interpersonal Circumplex (IPIP-IPC) scales. Circumplex structure analyses confirmed the data fit a circular model.
For the full sample, Machiavellianism and psychopathy were found placed in Quadrant II (hostile-dominant), while narcissism was positioned in Quadrant I (friendly-dominant). Overall, narcissism showed the highest intensity or distinctiveness of the three traits. These results align with other studies which found the three traits to be placed similarly. No statistically significant differences emerged between the genders regarding placement on the interpersonal circumplex, but some patterns did emerge.
The findings for Machiavellianism indicated that individuals of both genders predominantly exhibited characteristics aligned with the arrogant-calculating octant. However, women tended to demonstrate a broader range of interpersonal styles, ranging from assured-dominant to cold-hearted, whereas men fell within the spectrum from arrogant-calculating to cold-hearted. This suggests that women may show more flexibility in their interpersonal tactics.
Running Head: Gender Differences in Presentations of
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Regarding psychopathy, the results revealed that male respondents scoring high on sub-clinical psychoticism, placed in Quadrant II (hostile-dominant). Women were situated in Quadrant III (hostile-submissive), exhibiting lower levels of both communion and agency. It is important to note that the results pertaining to psychoticism in women should be interpreted with caution due to poor model fit. This outcome could reflect women expressing psychopathic traits in more covert ways, which the IPC could not adequately assess.
The findings concerning narcissism placed both genders in Quadrant I (friendly-dominant), which is marked by heightened agency and communion. Women showed slightly higher distinctiveness or intensity in their interpersonal style. It is possible that gendered social expectations may lead women to display narcissism through superficial warmth.
These findings affirm that each trait exhibits a distinct interpersonal profile, aligning with results from studies in diverse cultures. Despite variations in the behavioural display of the Dark Triad traits across cultures and gender differences, their self-reported positioning on the IPC appears to be consistent. Limitations and recommendations for future studies are discussed. Word count: 397
Keywords: Dark Triad, Narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, interpersonal circumplex, gender differences