The Dark Triad is a trio of variable personality traits: psychopathy, Machiavellianism and narcissism (Paulhus, 2002). Psychopathy being defined as dishonest, manipulative, impulsive and with a lack of empathy, narcissism as having an over-inflated sense of self and lastly, Machiavellianism being characterized by deceitful and manipulative in a cunning sense as opposed to the antisocial traits of psychopathy (Barlett, 2015). The emergence of the Dark Triad in adolescence and young adults often comes with the major changes in life primarily the transition towards social and financial independence (Barlett, 2015). These traits often affect young adults in their decision making and the way in which they react to various life and relationship events, …show more content…
2015). Dark Triad traits increase the amount of distrust in partnerships as when one partner is dishonest or exploitative they often will expect similar conduct of their partner (Brewer et al., 2015). The Dark Triad trait, Machiavellianism typically increases the frequency of exploitation of opportunities for infidelity, and influences the reaction to the knowledge of the infidelity in their partner (Brewer et al., 2015). Machiavellianism will often influence the belief that one’s partner is being untrustworthy, while narcissism will combat that with an inflated ego that one’s partner would not need to be unfaithful (Brewer et al., 2015). While all three traits increase the predilection to take revenge, narcissism will be the primary influence as the belief of entitlement that one may commit vengeful acts to partners who have been unfaithful is a mechanism to defend ones reputation (Brewer et al., 2015). The Dark Triad traits influence both decision-making and reactions to situations; however, young adults that exhibit they traits do not have a definite predisposition to infidelity or revenge, simply are more vulnerable to them (Brewer et al. 2015). Narcissistic behaviour in relationships will often lead to impulsive behaviour that will provide short term satisfaction meaning that forgiveness is less likely (Brewer et al. 2015). …show more content…
Psychopaths in general lack social awareness and express humor without considering the consequences or the reactions of those around, demonstrating the lack of empathy linked with psychopathy (Veselka et al., 2010). Machiavellianism displays a much more manipulative behaviour utilizing aggressive humour to manipulate susceptible people to bend to their purpose (Veselka et al., 2010). Narcissists on the other hand correlated positively with humor that is traditionally more acceptable and responded the best to self-enhancing humour and optimism (Veselka et al. 2010). Psychopathy, Machiavellianism and negative humour all share similar Big Five factors such as low agreeableness and higher neuroticism while narcissism and self-empowering humour share high extraversion and openness (Veselka et al.