Disturbing Concerns for Dark Personalities: Anxiety Sensitivity and the Dark Triad

Abstract. The structure, correlates, and assessment of the Dark Triad are widely discussed in several fields of psychology. Based on the German version of the Short Dark Triad (SDT), we add to this by (a) providing a competitive test of existing structural models, (b) testing the nomological network, and (c) proposing an ultrashort 9-item version of the SDT (uSDT). A sample of N = 969 participants provided data on the SDT and a range of further measures. Our competitive test of five structural models revealed that fit indices and nomological network assumptions were best met in a three-factor model, with separate factors for psychopathy, Machiavellianism, and narcissism. The results provided an extensive overview of the raw, unique, and shared associations of Dark Triad dimensions with narcissism facets, sadism, impulsivity, self-esteem, sensation seeking, the Big Five, maladaptive personality traits, sociosexual orientation, and behavioral criteria. Finally, the uSDT exhibited satisfactory psychometric properties. The highest overlap in expected relations between SDT and uSDT, and convergent and discriminant measures was also found for the three-factor model. Our study underlines the utility of a three-factor model of the Dark Triad, extends findings on its nomological network, and provides an ultrashort instrument.

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The Measurement Invariance of the Short Dark Triad

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000322 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 207-218

Author(s):

Mihaela Grigoraș ◽

Andreea Butucescu ◽

Amalia Miulescu ◽

Cristian Opariuc-Dan ◽

Dragoș Iliescu

Keyword(s):

Structural Equation Modeling ◽

Item Response ◽

Structural Equation ◽

Dark Triad ◽

Theory And Practice ◽

Equation Modeling ◽

Scale Level ◽

High Stake ◽

Differential Functioning ◽

Item Functioning

Abstract. Given the fact that most of the dark personality measures are developed based on data collected in low-stake settings, the present study addresses the appropriateness of their use in high-stake contexts. Specifically, we examined item- and scale-level differential functioning of the Short Dark Triad (SD3; Paulhus & Jones, 2011 ) measure across testing contexts. The Short Dark Triad was administered to applicant ( N = 457) and non-applicant ( N = 592) samples. Item- and scale-level invariances were tested using an Item Response Theory (IRT)-based approach and a Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) approach, respectively. Results show that more than half of the SD3 items were flagged for Differential Item Functioning (DIF), and Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) results supported configural, but not metric invariance. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.

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A Test of Three Sadism Measures

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000319 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 41 (4) ◽

pp. 219-227 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Bojana M. Dinić ◽

Tara Bulut Allred ◽

Boban Petrović ◽

Anja Wertag

Keyword(s):

Item Response ◽

Social Groups ◽

Similarity Index ◽

Dark Triad ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Fit Indices ◽

Profile Similarity ◽

Positive Attitudes ◽

Confirmatory Factor ◽

Positive Correlations

Abstract. The aim of this study was to evaluate psychometric properties of three sadism scales: Short Sadistic Impulse Scale (SSIS), Varieties of Sadistic Tendencies (VAST, which measures direct and vicarious sadism), and Assessment of Sadistic Personality (ASP). Sample included 443 participants (50.1% men) from the general population. Reliability based on internal consistency of all scales was good, and results of Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) showed that all three scales had acceptable fit indices for the proposed structure. Results of Item Response Theory (IRT) analysis showed that all three scales had higher measurement precision (information) in above-average scores. Validity of the scales was supported through moderate to high positive correlations with the Dark Triad traits, especially psychopathy, as well as positive correlations with aggressiveness and negative with Honesty-Humility. Moreover, results of hierarchical regression analysis showed that all three measures of direct, but not vicarious sadism, contributed significantly above and beyond other Dark Triad traits to the prediction of increased positive attitudes toward dangerous social groups. The profile similarity index showed that the SSIS and the ASP were highly overlapping, while vicarious sadism seems distinct from other sadism scales.

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New Evidence on the Construct Validity of the ASI-3 and the Dimensional Conceptualization of Trait Anxiety Sensitivity From IRT Modeling

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759/a000284 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 33 (3) ◽

pp. 181-189 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Christoph J. Kemper ◽

Michael Hock

Keyword(s):

Construct Validity ◽

Anxiety Sensitivity ◽

Latent Class ◽

Dimensional Structure ◽

Sensitivity Index ◽

Response Scale ◽

Established Risk Factor ◽

Irt Models ◽

Level Data ◽

Extreme Response

Abstract. Anxiety Sensitivity (AS) denotes the tendency to fear anxiety-related sensations. Trait AS is an established risk factor for anxiety pathology. The Anxiety Sensitivity Index-3 (ASI-3) is a widely used measure of AS and its three most robust dimensions with well-established construct validity. At present, the dimensional conceptualization of AS, and thus, the construct validity of the ASI-3 is challenged. A latent class structure with two distinct and qualitatively different forms, an adaptive form (normative AS) and a maladaptive form (AS taxon, predisposing for anxiety pathology) was postulated. Item Response Theory (IRT) models were applied to item-level data of the ASI-3 in an attempt to replicate previous findings in a large nonclinical sample (N = 2,603) and to examine possible interpretations for the latent discontinuity observed. Two latent classes with a pattern of distinct responses to ASI-3 items were found. However, classes were indicative of participant’s differential use of the response scale (midpoint and extreme response style) rather than differing in AS content (adaptive and maladaptive AS forms). A dimensional structure of AS and the construct validity of the ASI-3 was supported.

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Subclinical Sadism and the Dark Triad

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000284 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (3) ◽

pp. 127-133 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

Laura K. Johnson ◽

Rachel A. Plouffe ◽

Donald H. Saklofske

Keyword(s):

Factor Analysis ◽

University Students ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Exploratory Factor Analysis ◽

Convergent Validity ◽

Dark Triad ◽

Antisocial Personality ◽

Factor Solution ◽

Online Study ◽

Antisocial Personality Traits

Abstract. The Dark Triad is a constellation of three antisocial personality traits: Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy. Recently, researchers have introduced a “Dark Tetrad” that includes subclinical sadism, although others suggest considerable overlap between psychopathy and sadism. To clarify the position of sadism within the Dark Triad, an online study was conducted with 615 university students. Exploratory factor analysis revealed that a six-factor solution fit the data best, representing Machiavellianism, psychopathy, physical sadism, verbal sadism, narcissism, and vicarious sadism. Furthermore, convergent validity was supported through sadism’s correlations with the HEXACO personality traits. The results support sadism’s inclusion within the Dark Tetrad as a unique construct but with some conceptual overlap with psychopathy.

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In Search of the Prosocial Personality

Journal of Individual Differences ◽

10.1027/1614-0001/a000276 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 55-62 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Anja Wertag ◽

Denis Bratko

Keyword(s):

Prosocial Behavior ◽

Personality Traits ◽

Significant Proportion ◽

Dark Triad ◽

Self Report ◽

Hierarchical Regression ◽

Regression Analyses ◽

The Relationship

Abstract. Prosocial behavior is intended to benefit others rather than oneself and is positively linked to personality traits such as Agreeableness and Honesty-Humility, and usually negatively to the Dark Triad traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy). However, a significant proportion of the research in this area is conducted solely on self-report measures of prosocial behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between prosociality and the basic (i.e., HEXACO) and dark personality traits, comparing their contribution in predicting both self-reported prosociality and prosocial behavior. Results of the hierarchical regression analyses showed that the Dark Triad traits explain prosociality and prosocial behavior above and beyond the HEXACO traits, emphasizing the importance of the Dark Triad in the personality space.

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