Subscribe
The latest psychology and neuroscience discoveries.
My Account
  • Mental Health
  • Social Psychology
  • Cognitive Science
  • Psychopharmacology
  • Neuroscience
  • About
No Result
View All Result
PsyPost
PsyPost
No Result
View All Result
Home Exclusive Social Psychology

New study finds sexist beliefs are associated with narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism

by Katarina Skelin
April 9, 2020
in Social Psychology
(Photo credit: dundanim)

(Photo credit: dundanim)

Share on TwitterShare on Facebook
Don't miss out! Follow PsyPost on Bluesky!

The dark triad is a combination of three negative personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy, and Machiavellianism. It is more common for this set of traits to be found among men, and it can be spotted through characteristics like selfishness, impulsivity, and opportunism.  Those who gain success at the workplace without regard to getting along with others are likely to score high on measures of the dark triad.

How does one develop these traits? Is it due to genetics or does society play a role in forming individuals with these undesirable personality characteristics? A study published in Personality and Individual Differences attributes it to sexism.

Researchers from the University of Florida suggest that the dark triad might be misproduced by society’s promotion and maintenance of men’s dominant social position over women. To test this, Melissa Gluck and her colleagues set out to investigate whether any form of sexism is associated with the development of this particular set of negative traits.

For this online study a total of 295 US adults completed measures of dark triad traits and sexism. The measure for sexism consisted of statements that tested for different forms in which sexism can manifest; the ill-intended, hostile sexism and well-intended, benevolent sexism. Participants were required to specify to what extent they agree with statements like ‘’Women seek to gain power by getting control over men’’ (for hostile sexism) or ‘’ A good woman should be set on a pedestal by her man’’  (for benevolent sexism).

Replicating previous findings, the results showed men scoring higher on both sexism and the dark triad measure, compared to female participants. There was a positive relationship for both genders between overall sexism and participants’ dark triad ratings; the more they scored for sexism, the greater their dark triad results were. Most of this relationship was due to hostile sexism levels, which might explain the gender difference in the dark triad scores as men are more likely to show hostile sexism than women.

The authors point out the link between hostile sexism and the dark triad as a key finding, urging those thinking about the dark triad to simultaneously think about hostile sexism.  Results also suggest that by fighting sexism, negative personality traits in the society like those encompassed in the dark triad might be reduced.

The study, “How much of the dark triad is accounted for by sexism?”, was authored by Melissa Gluck, Martin Heesacker and Hemy Dorothy Choi.

TweetSendScanShareSendPin8ShareShareShareShareShare

RELATED

Bullshit is deemed more credible if attributed to a scientist, compared to a spiritual guru
Social Psychology

Scientists who relocate more often start Nobel research up to two years earlier

July 8, 2025

A new study of Nobel Prize winners suggests that scientists who change locations or work in multiple places tend to begin their groundbreaking research earlier, highlighting how exposure to diverse environments may help spark innovative, high-impact ideas.

Read moreDetails
The most popular dementia videos on TikTok tend to have the lowest quality, study find
Addiction

People with short-video addiction show altered brain responses during decision-making

July 8, 2025

People who frequently use short-video apps like TikTok may show reduced loss sensitivity and impulsive decision-making, according to a new neuroimaging study that links addictive use patterns to changes in brain activity during risky choices.

Read moreDetails
People with psychopathic traits fail to learn from painful outcomes
Narcissism

National narcissism linked to emotional impairments and dehumanization, new study finds

July 7, 2025

A new study suggests that people who see their nation as uniquely important often struggle with recognizing emotions and experience more anger and contempt—factors that may help explain why they’re more likely to dehumanize both outsiders and fellow citizens.

Read moreDetails
Anxious and avoidant attachment are elevated among individuals with eating disorders
Developmental Psychology

Personality may be a key factor connecting negative parenting experiences to adult challenges

July 7, 2025

New research finds a link between how adults recall being parented and their current life difficulties. These challenges may be partly explained by personality traits, such as lower conscientiousness, that are connected to early family environments and adult well-being.

Read moreDetails
Loneliness predicts an increase in TV viewing for older women, but not for men
Sexism

New study finds link between sexism and denial of male victimhood in relationships

July 6, 2025

New research shows that many people endorse myths that minimize abuse against men in relationships. These myths are closely tied to sexist attitudes about masculinity, gender roles, and who is believed to be a “real” victim of violence.

Read moreDetails
Fascinating study reveals how Trump’s moral rhetoric diverges from common Republican language
Donald Trump

Viral AI-images highlight how Trump engages in “victimcould,” scholar argues

July 6, 2025

How can one of the world's most powerful men also be its biggest victim? A new paper argues it’s a political strategy based on hypothetical, not actual, harm—a concept the author calls “victimcould” used to justify present-day aggression.

Read moreDetails
Stress disrupts gut and brain barriers by reducing key microbial metabolites, study finds
Narcissism

How to protect your mental health from a passive-aggressive narcissist

July 5, 2025

Passive aggression is more than just frustrating; it’s a weapon. When someone consistently uses backhanded compliments, sabotage, or the silent treatment, you may be dealing with a narcissist. Here’s how to spot the signs and protect your mental wellbeing.

Read moreDetails
Stress disrupts gut and brain barriers by reducing key microbial metabolites, study finds
Artificial Intelligence

Dark personality traits linked to generative AI use among art students

July 5, 2025

As generative AI tools become staples in art education, a new study uncovers who misuses them most. Research on Chinese art students connects "dark traits" like psychopathy to academic dishonesty, negative thinking, and a heavier reliance on AI technologies.

Read moreDetails

SUBSCRIBE

Go Ad-Free! Click here to subscribe to PsyPost and support independent science journalism!

STAY CONNECTED

LATEST

Neuroscientists decode how people juggle multiple items in working memory

Inside the bored brain: Unlocking the power of the default mode network

Choline imbalance in the brain linked to with cognitive symptoms in young depression patients

Scientists who relocate more often start Nobel research up to two years earlier

Sedentary time linked to faster brain aging in older adults, study finds

People with short-video addiction show altered brain responses during decision-making

New study uncovers a surprising effect of cold-water immersion

Being adopted doesn’t change how teens handle love and dating

         
       
  • Contact us
  • Privacy policy
  • Terms and Conditions
[Do not sell my information]

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password?

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In

Add New Playlist

Subscribe
  • My Account
  • Cognitive Science Research
  • Mental Health Research
  • Social Psychology Research
  • Drug Research
  • Relationship Research
  • About PsyPost
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy