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The dark triad traits and relationship satisfaction: Dyadic response surface analysis.
Igor Kardum1, Jasna Hudek-Knezevic1, Nermina Mehić1
1Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia.
Journal of Personality
|June 8, 2023
Summary
Dark triad traits negatively impact relationship satisfaction. Similarity in narcissism boosts satisfaction, while dissimilarity in psychopathy lowers it for men, affecting both partners.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Relationship Science
Background:
- The Dark Triad (DT) traits (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism) are associated with negative interpersonal behaviors.
- Understanding how these traits influence romantic relationship satisfaction is crucial for relationship science.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate actor and partner effects of DT traits on relationship satisfaction.
- Examine the impact of trait (dis)similarity on relationship satisfaction within couples.
- Analyze effects on actual, perceived, and partner-perceived similarity.
Main Methods:
- Dyadic response surface analysis applied to 205 heterosexual couples.
- Administered questionnaires measuring psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism, and relationship satisfaction.
- Collected self-report and partner-report data for all measures.
Main Results:
- DT traits demonstrated predominantly negative actor and partner effects on relationship satisfaction.
- Trait (dis)similarity significantly impacted satisfaction for psychopathy and narcissism.
- Psychopathy dissimilarity decreased men's satisfaction; narcissism dissimilarity decreased, while similarity increased, overall satisfaction.
Conclusions:
- Both partners' DT traits significantly influence relationship satisfaction judgments.
- Actor, partner, and (dis)similarity effects of psychopathy and narcissism are key factors in relationship satisfaction.
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