The Dark Triad Of Personality And Momentary Affective States: An Experience Sampling Study

BACKGROUNDThe Dark Triad (DT; Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy) refers to three distinct but interrelated socially undesirable traits which are associated with an antagonistic and exploitative strategy of conduct. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationships between the DT traits and momentary affective states using a longitudinal approach.PARTICIPANTS AND PROCEDUREUniversity students (N = 81) completed personality measures and participated in an 8-day experience-sampling study. Subjects provided n = 2572 responses. Multilevel analyses were used to assess relationships between the DT and affect.RESULTSAll the DT traits were associated with negative affect: the two psychopathy dimensions (boldness and meanness) negatively, and the remaining traits positively. Boldness and grandiose narcissism were associated with positive affect. The presence of others differentiated the relationships between Machiavellianism and meanness and negative affective states.CONCLUSIONSThe findings showed a tendency to experience more negative affect in everyday life in people with higher levels of grandiose and vulnerable narcissism, Machiavellianism, and disinhibition.