Sexy deeds done dark? Examining the relationship between dark personality traits and sexual motivation
Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Standard
Sexy deeds done dark? Examining the relationship between dark personality traits and sexual motivation. / Smith, C. Veronica; Øverup, Camilla S.; Webster, Gregory D.
In: Personality and Individual Differences, Vol. 146, 2019, p. 105-110.Research output: Contribution to journal › Journal article › Research › peer-review
Harvard
APA
Vancouver
Author
Bibtex
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
T1 - Sexy deeds done dark? Examining the relationship between dark personality traits and sexual motivation
AU - Smith, C. Veronica
AU - Øverup, Camilla S.
AU - Webster, Gregory D.
PY - 2019
Y1 - 2019
N2 - The Dark Tetrad is composed of four related subclinical personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism. Using Life History Theory (LHT) as a framework, the current study examined Dark Tetrad traits as predictors of a variety of sexual motivations and goals. Participants (N = 345) were recruited from a large southern U.S. university and completed Dark Tetrad measures and scales related to various self- and partner-focused motivations for sex. Results indicated that greater Machiavellianism was associated with being motivated to have sex for selfish reasons (for self-image concerns, to enhance the self, for stress relief and to exert power, and for pleasure), but also with partner-oriented motives (to give the partner power, and fostering emotional connection with a partner). Moreover, greater psychopathy was associated with being motivated to have sex for stress relief; conversely, greater psychopathy was associated with less partner-focused motivations. No effects were found for narcissism and sadism. Consistent with LHT, these results augment our understanding of the sexual and interpersonal experiences of those endorsing Dark Tetrad traits.
AB - The Dark Tetrad is composed of four related subclinical personality traits: narcissism, psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and sadism. Using Life History Theory (LHT) as a framework, the current study examined Dark Tetrad traits as predictors of a variety of sexual motivations and goals. Participants (N = 345) were recruited from a large southern U.S. university and completed Dark Tetrad measures and scales related to various self- and partner-focused motivations for sex. Results indicated that greater Machiavellianism was associated with being motivated to have sex for selfish reasons (for self-image concerns, to enhance the self, for stress relief and to exert power, and for pleasure), but also with partner-oriented motives (to give the partner power, and fostering emotional connection with a partner). Moreover, greater psychopathy was associated with being motivated to have sex for stress relief; conversely, greater psychopathy was associated with less partner-focused motivations. No effects were found for narcissism and sadism. Consistent with LHT, these results augment our understanding of the sexual and interpersonal experiences of those endorsing Dark Tetrad traits.
KW - Dark personality
KW - Dark tetrad
KW - Life history theory
KW - Sexual motivation
U2 - 10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.003
DO - 10.1016/j.paid.2019.04.003
M3 - Journal article
AN - SCOPUS:85063968267
VL - 146
SP - 105
EP - 110
JO - Personality and Individual Differences
JF - Personality and Individual Differences
SN - 0191-8869
ER -
ID: 241108384