Dark Triad traits as predictors of adherence to traditional masculine norms in men.

Abstract

The present study examined whether ‘dark’ personality factors explain variance in traditional masculine norms. Two-hundred and thirty-seven men (aged 18 to 62 years) completed online versions of the Self-Report Psychopathy Scale-III, the Narcissistic Personality Inventory, the MACH-IV, and the Conformity to Masculine Norms Inventory-29. Results from regression analyses showed that the psychopathic trait ‘callous affect’ positively predicted men’s need to win, risk-taking, self-reliance, emotional control, violence, and power over women. ‘Erratic lifestyle’ was a positive predictor of risk-taking, while ‘antisocial behaviour’ was a positive predictor of playboy. The Machiavellian trait ‘cynical view of human nature’ predicted heterosexual self-presentation. Finally, narcissism positively predicted the need to win, risk-taking, self-reliance, emotional control, and power over women. We conclude that whilst callousness appears to hold the highest predictive validity, the ‘dark’ personality traits differentially predict adherence to specific masculine norms.

Keywords

• Masculinity; Men; the Dark Triad; Psychopathy; Machiavellianism; Narcissism; Personality