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In the Beast Mode: Predator Self-Identifications as a Model of Disagreeable Functioning.

Michael D Robinson1, Roberta L Irvin2,3, Muhammad R Asad1

  • 1North Dakota State University, Fargo, USA.

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Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

People preferring predator animals may exhibit self-serving and disagreeable traits. This motivation-based environmental interaction links predator preference to lower agreeableness and self-serving behaviors.

Keywords:
agreeablenessmotivationprojectivepsychopathysocial functioningtraits

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Area of Science:

  • Psychology
  • Behavioral Science
  • Personality Psychology

Background:

  • Primitive motivations significantly influence human behavior and personality.
  • Understanding these motivations is key to explaining interpersonal interactions and environmental engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the link between primitive motivations, specifically predator self-identification, and personality traits.
  • To assess if a preference for predator animals correlates with disagreeable and self-serving behaviors.

Main Methods:

  • Three studies (N=808) utilized a paradigm where participants chose between predator and prey animals.
  • Correlational analyses examined the relationship between predator preference and personality measures (agreeableness, interpersonal warmth).
  • Behavioral economic games and daily experience sampling assessed self-serving actions and agreeableness.

Main Results:

  • Higher predator self-identification was associated with lower agreeableness and interpersonal warmth.
  • Preference for predator animals predicted self-serving behavior in economic decision-making.
  • Inverse relationships were observed between predator preferences and daily agreeableness.

Conclusions:

  • Predator preference serves as an indicator of a motivation-based orientation towards the environment.
  • This orientation is characterized by disagreeable and self-serving tendencies.
  • Findings highlight the role of primitive motivations in shaping personality and behavior.