This thesis explores the predictive power of the Dark Tetrad—comprising narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism—on responses to infidelity threats. Grounded in the framework of evolutionary psychology and attachment theory, the study examines how these aversive personality traits influence mate retention strategies and distress responses to emotional and sexual infidelity. Data were collected from 242 participants through an online survey, which included measures of Dark Tetrad traits (SD4), mate retention tactics (MRI-SF), responses to infidelity threats (Buss et al., 1999) and attachment styles (ECR-S). Results indicated significant gender differences in Dark Tetrad traits, with men exhibiting higher levels of psychopathy and sadism. Both men and women high in Dark Tetrad traits were more likely to use cost-inflicting mate retention strategies. Additionally, individuals with higher attachment anxiety reported greater distress in response to both emotional and sexual infidelity threats, influencing their use of mate retention tactics. The findings underscore the complex interplay between dark personality traits, attachment styles, and relationship dynamics, providing valuable insights for understanding maladaptive behaviors in romantic relationships. This research contributes to the broader discourse on the psychological mechanisms underlying infidelity responses and the role of dark personality traits in shaping interpersonal relationships.
How the Dark Tetrad Predicts Responses to Infidelity Threats?
YASARAN, MELTEM LUBE
2023/2024
Abstract
This thesis explores the predictive power of the Dark Tetrad—comprising narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism—on responses to infidelity threats. Grounded in the framework of evolutionary psychology and attachment theory, the study examines how these aversive personality traits influence mate retention strategies and distress responses to emotional and sexual infidelity. Data were collected from 242 participants through an online survey, which included measures of Dark Tetrad traits (SD4), mate retention tactics (MRI-SF), responses to infidelity threats (Buss et al., 1999) and attachment styles (ECR-S). Results indicated significant gender differences in Dark Tetrad traits, with men exhibiting higher levels of psychopathy and sadism. Both men and women high in Dark Tetrad traits were more likely to use cost-inflicting mate retention strategies. Additionally, individuals with higher attachment anxiety reported greater distress in response to both emotional and sexual infidelity threats, influencing their use of mate retention tactics. The findings underscore the complex interplay between dark personality traits, attachment styles, and relationship dynamics, providing valuable insights for understanding maladaptive behaviors in romantic relationships. This research contributes to the broader discourse on the psychological mechanisms underlying infidelity responses and the role of dark personality traits in shaping interpersonal relationships.File | Dimensione | Formato | |
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https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.12608/67078