A new study in Personality and Individual Differences investigated the behavior of those with Dark Triad personality traits when ending a relationship. The findings revealed that those with Dark Triad traits are more likely to use manipulation when breaking up rather than kindness and compassion.
The Dark Triad refers to a set of three antagonistic personality traits: narcissism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy. A deficiency of sympathy, lack of emotions, and exploitation marks these qualities. Previous investigations have studied the impact of these characteristics on developing and preserving intimate and friendly relationships. However, there have been fewer examinations of how those high in Dark Triad traits cope with relationships when they end.
Research has demonstrated a connection between the Dark Triad traits and the crumbling of romantic relationships, showing that those who have high levels of Dark Triad traits have diminished satisfaction and loyalty in their relationships and may be more open to ending their close relationships than those who have low levels of them.
In their new study, Gayle Brewer and colleagues sought to understand the Dark Triad and the breakdown of relationships, as relationship dissolution is a frequent and distressing occurrence in life. These discoveries have implications for individuals, as well as mental health professionals, who may have to consider Dark Triad attributes when supporting those going through relationship dissolution.
In two studies, the correlation between Dark Triad personality traits and the methods of ending romantic relationships and friendships was examined. The first study had 722 participants, while the second had 177. Study 1 had participants complete measures of Dark Triad traits and a break-up strategies questionnaire. Study 2 went through the same procedure, but the questionnaire focused on friendship break-ups instead of romantic break-ups.
The first study’s results showed that Machiavellianism and psychopathy were associated with a higher tendency to use escalation/manipulation and distant communication when ending a romantic relationship. In comparison, narcissism only predicted a higher tendency for open confrontation. In the second study, only psychopathy was associated with increased use of distant communication, whereas Machiavellianism was not a significant predictor of friendship dissolution.
The findings indicate that people with the Dark Triad attributes are more inclined to utilize manipulative tactics when ending romantic relationships rather than break-up approaches that contain empathy or kindness. Furthermore, Study 1 discovered resemblances between Machiavellianism and psychopathy when it comes to using aggressive confrontation and cost-escalation/manipulation. Nevertheless, differences between Machiavellianism and psychopathy were apparent, highlighting the significance of exploring the separate effect of each trait.
The power of the Dark Triad attributes on deciding a break-up plan was not as observable in Experiment 2, which could imply that these characteristics have a stronger link to romantic relationships than other varieties of social connections. It is plausible that people in poor friendships could have more choices regarding cutting off the relationship, such as moving away or segregating.
The research team acknowledged some limitations to the study; for example, the reason for dissolving a relationship could affect the choice of separation strategies. The reason for the break-up was not explored. Moreover, future research could explore the connection between the Dark Triad characteristics and the activities related to ending relationships other than those studied.
Despite these limitations, this study offers an understanding of the relationship between the Dark Triad features and the breaking up of close personal relationships, which might be useful in recognizing and dealing with relationship difficulties.
The study, “Dark Triad traits and relationship dissolution“, was authored by Gayle Brewer, Madison Parkinson, Alice Pickles, Joshua Anson, and Georgia Mulinder.