Dark Triad Traits

Question 1

Distinguish between psychopathy, Machiavellianism and Narcissism

Answer 1

Psychopaths are characterized as impulsive, emotionally cold, remorseless and having a lack of emotional expression
Machiavellianism is characterized through being manipulative, self-interested and domineering; identifiable through dominant and expansive posture
Narcissism is characterized through grandiosity, a perceived sense of superiority and entitlement; body language would include the use of 1st person pronouns; focus on self in conversation

Question 2

Trolling and Online Bullying

Answer 2

Trolling is deceptive and disruptive online behavior to deliberately provoke people

Some psychologists hypothesize the parent-infant relationship can influence trolling and online bullying.

(attachment theory emphasizes relationship with the main caregiver)
Disorganized attachment: sees parents or caregivers become abusive and unpredictable, people with low self esteem are more prone to trolling behavior’s to fulfill attachment needs

Disorganized attachment can lead to the outcome of the dark triad

Question 3

Intimate Partner Cyber Stalking

Answer 3

Intimate partner cyber stalking involves using technology to stalk a current or former intimate partner.
Results demonstrated that women have been found to be more likely than men to perpetrate intimate partner cyberstalking to attain intimacy and establish or preserve a relationship.
Individuals with higher levels of Dark Tetrad (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism) were likely to perpetrate.
Vulnerable narcissism, which were characterized by aggressive behavior’s, were likely to participate in intimate partner cyberstalking.
Secondary psychopathy was characterized by hostility and impulsivity - hence, more likely to engage in cyberstalking

Question 4

Dark Triads and Emotional Manipulation

Answer 4

Dark triad traits explain variants in emotional manipulation over and above hegemonic masculinity

Women with high levels of Machiavellianism were more likely to emotionally manipulate and emotionally abusive to their romantic partners