A Cock in the Henhouse

Abstract

Abstract. The present study’s primary aim was to examine the effect of an imbalanced sex ratio on the Dark Triad traits, three types of jealousy, and their relations. For this purpose, data were collected in the Netherlands ( n = 297) and Curaçao ( n = 199). Curaçao is a constituent part of the Netherlands, but has, contrary to the Netherlands, a highly imbalanced sex ratio. We expected the Dark Triad traits to be positively related to anxious and preventive jealousy, but not to reactive jealousy (Hypothesis 1), and, in addition, these relations to be more pronounced in Curaçao than in the Netherlands (Hypothesis 2). Furthermore, it was expected that Curaçaoan men would score higher on the Dark Triad traits than Dutch men (Hypothesis 3), and that Curaçaoan men and women would, overall, report higher levels of jealousy than Dutch men and women (Hypothesis 4). Results largely supported Hypotheses 1, 2, and 4, but not Hypothesis 3. Results are discussed in relation to the role of sex ratio and the cultural beliefs that may accompany it. The current study’s findings may provide new insights into the role of the Dark Triad traits in mating psychology.

Exploring the link between bright and dark personality traits and different types of jealousy

“…Of these three, reactive jealousy can be thought of as a relatively normal response to a relationship threat, whereas anxious and preventive jealousy could potentially be more pathological in nature. We first aimed to replicate findings from previous studies (e.g., Dijkstra & Barelds, 2008;Barelds et al, 2020). In so doing, we found support for the expected positive relationships between neuroticism and particularly anxious and preventive jealousy (H1), the positive relationships between introversion (as the opposite of extroversion) and all three types of jealousy (H2), the positive relationships between hostility (indicative of low agreeableness) and all three types of jealousy (H3), and the positive relationship between structure (the present study's operationalization of conscientiousness) and reactive jealousy (H4).…”

“…Several studies have shown the Dark Triad traits to be related to different aspects of individuals' mating behaviour (e.g., Barelds et al, 2020). Studies have, for instance, shown that individuals scoring high on one or more of the three Dark Triad traits are rated as being more attractive than individuals scoring low in these traits, especially in the case of short-term mating (e.g., Carter et al, 2014).…”

“…Studies have, for instance, shown that individuals scoring high on one or more of the three Dark Triad traits are rated as being more attractive than individuals scoring low in these traits, especially in the case of short-term mating (e.g., Carter et al, 2014). This may be explained by the fact that those scoring high on the Dark Triad traits are more willing to take risks and come across as self-confident (e.g., Barelds et al, 2020). The Dark Triad traits also have been found to be associated with the way individuals respond to relationship threats (e.g., Jonason et al, 2011).…”

“…Jealousy was measured using the scale developed by Buunk (1997; see also, for instance, Barelds & Dijkstra, 2003;Barelds et al, 2020), a scale consisting of 15 items; five items for reactive jealousy, five items for anxious jealousy, and five items for preventive jealousy. The items of the reactive jealousy scale asked participants how upset they would feel if their partner would engage in various extra-dyadic intimate and sexual behaviours, such as having sex or flirting with someone else.…”

“…For example, those scoring high on preventive jealousy may find it hard to accept that their mate has opposite-sex friends, forbid their partner to socialize with others, and/or find it difficult to give their partner enough space in their relationship. More in general, preventive jealousy may be seen as the psychological antecedent of materetention behaviours, such as monitoring a partner's behaviour or aggression towards the partner or a potential rival (e.g., Barelds et al, 2020). It must be noted, however, that mate-retention behaviours, and also preventive jealousy, may also be expressed in positive behaviours (Buss et al, 2008).…”