Current Research in Psychologial Science: Part 1

 

The Dark Triad: Facilitating a Short-Term Mating Strategy in Men

PETER K. JONASON, NORMAN P. LI, GREGORY D. WEBSTER and DAVID P. SCHMITT

Abstract

This survey (N=224) found that characteristics collectively known as the Dark Triad (i.e. narcissism, psychopathy and Machiavellianism) were correlated with various dimensions of short-term mating but not long-term mating. The link between the Dark Triad and shortterm mating was stronger for men than for women. The Dark Triad partially mediated the sex difference in short-term mating behaviour. Findings are consistent with a view that the Dark Triad facilitates an exploitative, short-term mating strategy in men. Possible implications, including that Dark Triad traits represent a bundle of individual differences that promote a reproductively adaptive strategy are discussed. Findings are discussed in the broad context of how an evolutionary approach to personality psychology can enhance our understanding of individual differences.

These men are successful at having multiple sexual partners and then profit from not having to stay and raise the offspring. But again, why would women want to consciously mate with these individuals, fully knowing they don’t possess any traits that a good father has. These women might be using these characteristics to ensure the men they sleep with outside of their monogamous relationship won’t stay around; they guarantee to have their cake and eat it too. These Dark Triad individuals might be great candidates for extra pair copulation; however, empirically, this must be tested. Individuals with Dark Triad traits should be tested on their mate quality, especially qualities females seek in extra pair partners or short-term partners. They might be found to have high testosterone, high sperm quality, highly attractive, etc. The authors illustrate that Dark Triad men prefer quantity rather than quality in their mates; this also is found cross-culturally. No research has yet examined why women prefer these men when engaging in short-term mating, or what qualities they are assessing outside of their personality characteristics.

            Interestingly, is the question of why this strategy, if short-term mating is all men want to do, why it hasn’t been mastered by all males? This can be explained from traditional game theory. Dark Triad males can be seen as hawks; only at their strongest when doves surround them. Since these Dark Triad individuals are rare and only successful when they are rare, females might not have evolved mechanisms for detection. Other questions come to mind though, are there genetic components to the Dark Triad? Are these components heritable?

            Moving back to the short-term mating orientation, are these men successful; that is, do they successfully impregnate these women they mate with? If they are having many offspring then obviously this strategy is vilified. But in the age of contraception, they might not be as “successful” in evolutionary terms as they would have been back on the savannah.

            Hopefully future research can answer these questions. Are these Dark Triad men, the perfect extra pair/short term mate? Do they have characteristics such as high testosterone or quality immune systems, which outweighs their (probable) heritable personalities? Are these men having more offspring than non-Dark Triad individuals? What are women assessing when they mate with these Dark Triad men? Are these women merely subjects of forced copulation? Does the use of birth control moderate these women’s preferences for Dark Triad males? A very interesting area of study, but much empirical work is needed.