The Dark is Rising: Contrasting the Dark Triad and Light Triad on Measures of Political Ambition and Participation

Abstract

A growing body of research suggests a significant relationship between dark personality traits and political behavior. While the personality characteristics of Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy (labeled the Dark Triad) are associated with a range of political attitudes, research has not tested the Dark Triad in combination with the emerging use of the comparable Light Triad of personality. This paper sets up an exploration of the competing influences of light and dark personality traits on political participation and ambition. Our analyses corroborate that Dark Triad traits are significantly related to ambition and political participation. Consistent with prior research, the dark personality traits remain predominant. However, there are significant effects for some Light Triad traits as well. Our findings have implications for a deeper understanding of the mix of personality traits that drive political behavior and expand upon the normative discussion of who is, in fact, political.

The political, psychological, and social correlates of cryptocurrency ownership

“…We also gave respondents a standard battery to rate how qualified they feel to run for office, whether they think they might run for office one day and whether they believe someone like them can influence government ( political efficacy ) [ 57 ]. We also asked respondents a standard question about the extent to which they actively stay informed on politics and public affairs ( political interest ).…”

“…We also asked respondents a standard question about the extent to which they actively stay informed on politics and public affairs ( political interest ). Respondents also indicated the frequency with which they had engaged in specific political behaviors over the previous 12 months (a standard battery of behaviors including: contacted elected officials, volunteered during an election, and participated in political meetings, protests, civil disobedience, or acts of political violence) [ 57 ].…”

An Alternative Positive View on Dark Triad Personality Traits: Light Triad Personality Traits

“…In the international literature, the light triad, increased kindness (Gerymski & Krok, 2019), selfishness and compassion (Kaufman et al, 2019) and exposure to malicious control (Malik, Shahzad, Waheed, & Yousaf, 2020); green entrepreneurship (Cooke, 2020), psychological empowerment, creative self-efficacy, resilience and innovative performance (Khan, Safdar & Durrani, 2021), addiction to mobile phones, video and internet games (Mejía-Suazo, Landa-Blanco, Mejía-Suazove) Martínez-Martínez, 2021), political ambition and participation (Peterson & Palmer, 2021); depression and anxiety (Rodríguez, Agüero-Flores, Landa-Blanco, Agurcia, & Santos-Midence, 2021), pro-sociality (March & Marrington, 2021), life satisfaction (Alipour Gourand, Azemoudeh, Esmaielpour & Hosseini Nasab, 2022), inner harmony and ethical sensitivity experiences (Krok, Zarzycka, & Telka, 2022), psychological well-being (Stavraki, Artacho-Mata, Bajo, & Díaz, 2022) and helping behavior (Ruel et al, 2022). When the studies carried out in the national literature with the concept of the light triad are examined, it is seen that there are studies on tinder use and maintaining a relationship (Sevi & Doğruyol, 2020), entrepreneurial intention (Polatcı &Yeloğlu, 2021), and constructive deviant behavior (Erhan, 2022).…”

How Anti-Social Personality Traits and Anti-Establishment Views Promote Beliefs in Election Fraud, QAnon, and COVID-19 Conspiracy Theories and Misinformation

“…First, we consider the role of "dark triad" traits, which we measure with three standard four-item scales (e.g., Klimstra et al, 2020). Narcissism (Range = 1-5, M = 2.51, α = 0.87), psychopathy (Range = 1-5, M = 2.15, α = 0.83), and Machiavellianism (Range = 1-5, M = 2.17, α = 0.87) are malevolent personality traits characterized by a lack of empathy and a manipulative, hostile interpersonal style (Peterson & Palmer, 2021). We also include a scale measuring one's propensity toward interpersonal conflict, which asks about respondents' behavior during a recent disagreement with another person (Conrad et al, 2010); response options range from using verbal insults to using a gun or knife (Range = 0-9, M = 0.98, α = 0.81).…”

“…Likewise, past disagreements between parties and ideologies––even relatively heated ones––have typically not erupted into violence; hence, even polarization provides a lackluster explanation for recent events of concern. Nonetheless, political scientists have generally been slow to develop and expand theories that attempt to account for beliefs and behaviors that seem to undermine, rather than contribute to, traditional party competition or to recognize the critical importance of potential causal factors beyond partisan and ideological identities (but see, Enders et al, 2022; Peterson & Palmer, 2021). Here, we expand existing work on beliefs in various political CTM to account for particular personality traits and political orientations beyond traditional partisan and ideological identities.…”