1
|
Cease CK, Hart W, Lambert JT, Witt DE. Is "sadistic pleasure" a contrived process of signaling one's antagonism? J Pers 2024; 92:837-853. [PMID: 36825359 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Sadistic pleasure presumably incorporates processes that support an authentic enjoyment of others' pain. However, antagonism confirmation theory, grounded in social-psychological theorizing on identity maintenance and the notion of ego-syntonicity, suggests that individuals higher in sadism report greater pleasure in response to others' pain because such reports are immoral responses that confirm their self-views. This alternative conception has yet to be tested. METHOD In two preregistered experiments (total N = 968), participants completed measures of sadism, read about situations involving others' pain, and rated their pleasure. We manipulated the extent to which pleasure from others' pain could be used to signal morality or antagonism. RESULTS We found that relatively sadistic people indicated greater pleasure across the studies but, like relatively non-sadistic people, they altered their pleasure ratings to signal greater morality or less antagonism. CONCLUSIONS The findings fail to support antagonism confirmation theory, but they support recent perspectives on sadism that suggest that sadistic people may occasionally care about seeming moral (or not seeming antagonistic) and that sadism may be somewhat ego-dystonic in this respect.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte K Cease
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - William Hart
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Joshua T Lambert
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| | - Danielle E Witt
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Lobbestael J, Wolf F, Gollwitzer M, Baumeister RF. Those who (enjoy to) hurt: The influence of dark personality traits on animal- and human directed sadistic pleasure. J Behav Ther Exp Psychiatry 2024; 85:101963. [PMID: 38739973 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbtep.2024.101963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Sadistic pleasure - gratuitous enjoyment from inflicting pain on others - has devastating interpersonal and societal consequences. The current knowledge on non-sexual, everyday sadism - a trait that resides within the general population - is scarce. The present study therefore focussed on personality correlates of sadistic pleasure. It investigated the relationship between the Dark Triad traits, and both dispositional and state-level sadistic pleasure. METHODS N = 120 participants filled out questionnaires to assess their level of Dark Triad traits, psychopathy subfactors, and dispositional sadism. Then, participants engaged in an animal-directed task in which they were led to believe that they were killing bugs; and in a human-directed task where they could ostensibly noise blasts another participant. The two behavioral tasks were administered within-subjects, in randomized order. Sadistic pleasure was captured by increases in reported pleasure from pre-to post-task. RESULTS All Dark Triad traits related to increased dispositional sadism, with psychopathy showing the strongest link. The coldheartedness psychopathy subscale showed a unique combination with both self-reported sadism and increased pleasure following bug grinding. LIMITATIONS Predominantly female and student sample, limiting generalizability of findings. CONCLUSIONS Out of all Dark Triad components, psychopathy showed the strongest link with gaining pleasure from hurting others. The results underscore the differential predictive value of psychopathy's subcomponents for sadistic pleasure. Coldheartedness can be considered especially disturbing because of its unique relationship to deriving joy from irreversible harm-infliction (i.e. killing bugs). Our findings further establish psychopathy - and especially its coldheartedness component - as the most adverse Dark Triad trait.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Lobbestael
- Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, 6229 ER, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Franziska Wolf
- Deutsche Gesellschaft für Verhaltenstherapie (Ausbildungszentrum Ostwestfalen-Lippe) [German Association for Behavioural Therapy (training Centre East Westphalia-Lippe)], Germany
| | - Mario Gollwitzer
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Roy F Baumeister
- School of Psychology, University of Queensland, Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Marcatto F, Di Blas L, Ferrante D, Hipel I, Kelloway K. Validation of the Italian version of the Dark Tetrad at Work scale. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298880. [PMID: 38394098 PMCID: PMC10889854 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This study presents and validates the Italian adaptation of the Dark Tetrad at Work (DTW) scale, an instrument for assessing four socially aversive personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy and sadism) in the context of the workplace. A total of 300 Italian-speaking participants (50% female, M age = 32 years ± 9.2) and 253 English-speaking participants (38% female, M age = 39 years ± 12.1) were recruited via an online survey platform. The Italian-speaking sample was used to test the factorial structure, reliability and criterion-related validity of the Italian version of the DTW, whereas the English-speaking sample was used to test cross-language measurement invariance. Results from confirmatory factor analysis showed that the original four-factor model provided the best fit to the data. The Italian DTW scale demonstrated acceptable internal consistency, with reliability coefficients of ω = .77 for narcissism, ω = .80 for Machiavellianism, and ω = .81 for both psychopathy and sadism. Concurrent associations between the DTW scales and negative and positive workplace outcomes supported the criterion validity of the scale. Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism positively correlated with counterproductive work behaviors and workplace bullying, and negatively with organizational citizenship behaviors and affective organizational commitment. In contrast, narcissism exhibited a unique pattern: It correlated positively with positive workplace behaviors and negatively with counterproductive behaviors toward the organization, but it was also found to be a significant predictor of workplace bullying. This finding may reflect multidimensional nature of narcissism, but a note of caution is warranted in interpreting this result, as all measurements relied on self-report instruments, introducing the possibility of socially desirable associations influencing the outcomes. Finally, the comparison with the English sample established configural, full metric and partial scale invariance, allowing for valid cross-language comparisons between Italian and English-speaking populations in the future. Preliminary Italian normative data were provided to offer a benchmark for the interpretation of DTW values. This study provides a reliable and valid instrument tailored to the Italian workforce, enhancing our understanding of dark personality traits within organizational contexts and providing organizations with an effective means to address and manage dark personality traits for a healthier workplace culture.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa Di Blas
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | | | - Isaiah Hipel
- Department of Psychology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Canada
| | - Kevin Kelloway
- Department of Psychology, Saint Mary’s University, Halifax, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gómez-Leal R, Fernández-Berrocal P, Gutiérrez-Cobo MJ, Cabello R, Megías-Robles A. The Dark Tetrad: analysis of profiles and relationship with the Big Five personality factors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4443. [PMID: 38396168 PMCID: PMC10891063 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-55074-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The Dark Tetrad (DT) is composed of the traits of Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Psychopathy, and Sadism. Most studies analyzing the DT have employed a variable-centered approach, analyzing the traits separately. In the present study, we treat DT as a whole, adopting a person-centered approach. We analyzed different homogeneous subgroups of individuals characterized by specific DT profiles, aiming to examine their relationship with Big Five personality factors. A sample of 1149 participants (50.1% women, 18-79 years) completed The Short Dark Triad and the Assessment of Sadistic Personality instrument to assess DT, while the Mini-IPIP was used to assess the Big Five personality factors. Cluster analysis yielded five groups: Narcissism, Machiavellianism, Mean DT, Low DT, and High DT group. The main results showed that the High DT group was distinguished by higher levels of extraversion and lower levels of agreeableness and conscientiousness (compared with the Low DT group). Moreover, the Narcissism group was characterized by higher scores on emotional stability, openness to experience, and extraversion. Finally, distribution according to gender varied across DT groups (more men than women in the High DT group and the opposite in the Low DT group). Limitations and future lines of research are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Gómez-Leal
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Campus Teatinos, S/N, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| | | | | | - Rosario Cabello
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Campus Teatinos, S/N, 29071, Málaga, Spain
| | - Alberto Megías-Robles
- Faculty of Psychology, University of Málaga, Campus Teatinos, S/N, 29071, Málaga, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Romano D, Costantini G, Richetin J, Perugini M. The HEXACO Adjective Scales and Its Psychometric Properties. Assessment 2023; 30:2510-2532. [PMID: 36794796 DOI: 10.1177/10731911231153833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
The HEXACO model divides the space of personality into six main dimensions: Honesty-Humility, Emotionality, eXtraversion, Agreeableness (vs. anger), Conscientiousness, and Openness to Experience. Despite the lexical foundation, no validated adjective-based instruments are available yet. This contribution describes the newly developed HEXACO Adjective Scales (HAS), a 60 adjectives instrument to measure the six main personality dimensions. Study 1 (N=368) proceeds to the first pruning of a large set of adjectives to identify potential markers. Study 2 (N=811) delineates the final list of 60 adjectives and provides benchmarks for the new scales' internal consistency, convergent/discriminant, and criterion validity. Study 3 (N=411) confirms the HAS factorial structure, internal consistency, and criterion validity. The study also provides evidence of temporal stability (test-retest reliability) and convergence between raters (peer/self-evaluation). The HAS shows excellent psychometric properties and constitutes a valuable tool for assessing the HEXACO personality dimensions using adjectives.
Collapse
|
6
|
Duradoni M, Gursesli MC, Fiorenza M, Donati A, Guazzini A. Cognitive Empathy and the Dark Triad: A Literature Review. Eur J Investig Health Psychol Educ 2023; 13:2642-2680. [PMID: 37998074 PMCID: PMC10670677 DOI: 10.3390/ejihpe13110184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
This literature review aims to analyze studies published by researchers on the topic of the relationship between the psychological constructs of the Dark Triad and Cognitive Empathy. This study hypothesizes how having good cognitive empathic skills could benefit people who demonstrate Dark Triad traits, as this could facilitate the implementation of manipulative strategies. Through the process of identifying studies via databases and registers, 23 studies were included in this literature review, and the results and theories brought forward by the researchers find more agreement regarding the individual components of the Dark Triad than the whole construct: narcissism seems to have, for the most part, relatively small and typical positive correlations (more than 50% of correlations), Machiavellianism has relatively small and typical negative relationships (about 80% of correlations), and psychopathy has relatively large negative relationships (about 90% of correlations). This study conveys that Machiavellians and psychopaths, having reduced empathic abilities, use manipulation techniques that do not have to do with empathy (for example seduction, intimidation etc.), while narcissists would be, among these three dimensions, those most likely to understand others' states of mind and thus be able to use this knowledge to their advantage-although there are doubts about the veracity of the statements and answers given by narcissists in the tests administered to them. This literature review could be a valid aid to professionals dealing with people who exhibit Dark Triad traits; understanding how those exhibiting Dark Triad traits manage their empathic abilities, the areas in which the various dimensions show deficits or not, and how they act to implement their manipulative and controlling tactics could aid in the development of more effective helping strategies to be utilized in therapy settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mirko Duradoni
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Mustafa Can Gursesli
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
- Department of Information Engineering, University of Florence, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Maria Fiorenza
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Alessia Donati
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
| | - Andrea Guazzini
- Department of Education, Literatures, Intercultural Studies, Languages and Psychology, University of Florence, 50135 Florence, Italy; (M.C.G.); (M.F.); (A.G.)
- Centre for the Study of Complex Dynamics, University of Florence, 50019 Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lobbestael J, Slaoui G, Gollwitzer M. Sadism and Personality Disorders. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:569-576. [PMID: 37856033 PMCID: PMC10654167 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01466-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sadistic pleasure-the enjoyment of harm-infliction to others-can have devastating interpersonal and societal consequences. The goal of the current review is to illuminate the nomological net of traits related to sadism. We aim to achieve an understanding of the current empirical status on the link between sadism and personality disorders, psychopathy, the Dark Triad, and basic personality traits in clinical and community-based samples. RECENT FINDINGS The field is dominated by self-report studies on the Dark Triad with convenience samples. The link with DSM personality disorders has hardly been empirically studied. Existing evidence shows that sadism is most strongly related to increased psychopathic personality traits. Sadism can originate both from the interpersonal, affective, and behavioural basis of dark personality traits. There are diverging ideas on the differential status between sadism, psychopathy, and other dark traits. Research is needed on the causal impact of the broader range of personality disorders on sadism, in more diverse samples, including behavioural assessments of sadistic pleasure, as well as on the interplay of such personality traits with situational and affective aspects, and victim attitudes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jill Lobbestael
- Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
- Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, Maastricht, 6229 ER, the Netherlands.
| | - Ghizlane Slaoui
- Clinical Psychological Science, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Mario Gollwitzer
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Saravia Lalinde IA, Longpré N, de Roos M. Everyday Sadism as a Predictor of Rape Myth Acceptance and Perception of Harassment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2023; 67:1323-1342. [PMID: 37032542 PMCID: PMC10486172 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x231165430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
The #MeToo movement has stressed the need to understand why individuals who witness sexual violence may or may not take action. However, prevention programs usually fail to address the association between personality traits and attitudes, perception, and behavior in the context of sexual violence. To improve prevention programs' effectiveness, it is vital to understand how personality traits might interfere with willingness to engage in bystander intervention. This study aims to explore the relationships between Everyday Sadism, perception of harassment, Rape Myths and gender in a sample of 177 participants recruited online. Analyses revealed significant gender differences, with men endorsing more Rape Myths, perceiving less harassment, and being more sadistic. Gender and everyday sadism emerged as significant predictors of perception of harassment. In the case of Rape Myths, age emerged as an additional predictor. These results have several implications, ranging from expanding our knowledge of the influence of everyday sadism on factors known to modulate bystander behaviors as well as informing and shaping the development of prevention programs.
Collapse
|
9
|
Benemann H, McCartin H, Russell T, Cash D, King A. Sadistic masculinity: Masculine honor ideology mediates sadism and aggression. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
|
10
|
Rogier G, Amo A, Simmi B, Velotti P. Pathological narcissism and sadistic personality: The role of rivalry and malicious envy. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2023.112097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
|
11
|
Plouffe RA, Kowalski CM, Papageorgiou KA, Dinić BM, Artamonova E, Dagnall N, Denovan A, Gianniou FM, Kyriazos T, Saklofske DH, Stalikas A. The Revised Assessment of Sadistic Personality (ASP-8): Evidence for Validity across Four Countries. J Pers Assess 2023; 105:149-162. [PMID: 35412410 DOI: 10.1080/00223891.2022.2055476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Subclinical sadism, characterized by infliction of cruelty, aggression, or humiliation on another for subjugation or pleasure, provides important information in the prediction of aversive behaviors that have implications for individuals' and society's well-being worldwide. Given sadism's universal relevance, it is imperative that researchers ensure valid and reliable trait measurement not only among English-speaking individuals, but also cross-nationally among countries in which sadism remains relatively understudied. The objective of the current research was to validate the revised version of the Assessment of Sadistic Personality (ASP-8) (Plouffe et al., 2017) across samples of Russian (n = 1087, Mage = 37.36, SD = 10.36), Greek (n = 1195, Mage = 35.64, SDage = 13.08), Serbian (n = 443, Mage = 28.10, SDage = 6.60), and British (n = 511, Mage = 28.50, SDage = 11.62) adults. Overall, results supported the reliability, dimensionality, and scalar/partial scalar measurement invariance of the ASP-8 across cross-national samples. Convergent and discriminant validity were mostly supported through correlations with general personality traits, the Dark Triad, emotional intelligence, mental toughness, depression, anxiety, stress, satisfaction with life, aggression, and attitudes toward social groups. Based on our findings, we recommend the use of the ASP-8 in future investigations of aversive traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A Plouffe
- The MacDonald Franklin Operational Stress Injury Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada
| | | | | | - Bojana M Dinić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Elena Artamonova
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Neil Dagnall
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Denovan
- Department of Psychology, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Theodoros Kyriazos
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece
| | | | - Anastassios Stalikas
- Department of Psychology, Panteion University of Social and Political Sciences, Athens, Greece
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Considering sadism in the shadow of the Dark Triad traits: A meta-analytic review of the Dark Tetrad. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2022.111767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
|
13
|
Torres-Marín J, Navarro-Carrillo G, Carretero-Dios H. Differentiating the traits of the Dark Tetrad in their linkages with humor styles, dispositions toward ridicule and laughter, and comic styles. PERSONALITY AND INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.paid.2021.111281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
|
14
|
Kowalski CM, Rogoza R, Saklofske DH, Schermer JA. Dark triads, tetrads, tents, and cores: Why navigate (research) the jungle of dark personality models without a compass (criterion)? Acta Psychol (Amst) 2021; 221:103455. [PMID: 34864320 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2021.103455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review summarizes and evaluates the present state of the Dark Triad research literature (or more broadly, the dark personality trait literature), and as such serves both a pedagogical purpose, by providing an introduction or primer on the dark personality literature and a scientific purpose by directing future research on key issues that still have not been sufficiently addressed. In this review, we discuss and critique current operational conceptualizations of what it means for a personality trait to be classified as 'dark'. Also discussed is the Dark Core, as well as quantitative issues such as limitations of commonly used statistical treatments, such as multivariate analyses, bifactor modeling, and composite measures, and proposed solutions to some of these issues. Based on a comprehensive and critical appraisal of the literature, future directions are suggested to drive the dark trait field towards a more organized, parsimonious, and productive future.
Collapse
|
15
|
Plouffe RA, Kowalski CM, Tremblay PF, Saklofske DH, Rogoza R, Di Pierro R, Chahine S. Gender Differences or Gender Bias? EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT 2021. [DOI: 10.1027/1015-5759/a000634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Abstract. Sadism, defined by the infliction of pain and suffering on others for pleasure or subjugation, has recently garnered substantial attention in the psychological research literature. The Assessment of Sadistic Personality (ASP) was developed to measure levels of everyday sadism and has been shown to possess excellent reliability and validity using classical test theory methods. However, it is not known how well ASP items discriminate between respondents of different trait levels, or which Likert categories are endorsed by persons of various trait levels. Additionally, individual items should be evaluated to ensure that men and women of similar levels of sadism have an equal probability of response endorsement. The purpose of this research was to apply item response theory (IRT) and differential item functioning (DIF) to investigate item properties of the ASP across its three translations: English, Polish, and Italian. Overall, the results of the IRT analysis showed that with the exception of Item 9, the ASP demonstrated sound item properties. The DIF rate analyses identified two items from each questionnaire that were of practical significance across gender. Implications of these results are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel A. Plouffe
- Department of Psychiatry, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- The MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Paul F. Tremblay
- Department of Psychology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | | | - Radosław Rogoza
- Department of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Saad Chahine
- Faculty of Education, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Everyday sadism: psychometric properties of three Spanish versions for assessing the construct. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
17
|
Rogoza R, Danieluk B, Kowalski CM, Kwiatkowska K, Kwiatkowska MM. Making and maintaining relationships through the prism of the dark triad traits: A longitudinal social network study. J Pers 2021; 89:338-356. [PMID: 33448386 DOI: 10.1111/jopy.12585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated how Dark Triad traits influence the development and maintenance of social relations. METHOD Participants completed the Short Dark Triad questionnaire and a measure of social relations at three time points: at the beginning of their first year in high school, 3 months later, and at the end of their first year. We investigated whether the Dark Triad traits are stable over time using Multilevel Modeling (N = 265; 59.6% girls), and how Dark Triad traits predict incoming and outgoing agentic and communal relations using Temporal Exponential Random Graph Models (N = 192; 60.4% girls). RESULTS Overall, the Dark Triad traits were stable over a one-year period. Narcissism did not predict an increase in communal and agentic relations in the short-term, but predicted slightly less incoming communal and more agentic relations in the long-term. In the short-term, Machiavellianism predicted a small increase while psychopathy predicted a small decrease in the incoming agentic and communal relations. In the long-term, however, neither Machiavellianism nor psychopathy was a significant predictor of any incoming relations. CONCLUSIONS Our results shed new light on the dynamics of making and maintaining social relations through the prism of the Dark Triad traits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Radosław Rogoza
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Barnaba Danieluk
- Institute of Psychology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Katarzyna Kwiatkowska
- Institute of Psychology, Cardinal Stefan Wyszyński University in Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Dinić BM, Bulut Allred T, Petrović B, Wertag A. A Test of Three Sadism Measures. JOURNAL OF INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES 2020. [DOI: 10.1027/1614-0001/a000319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
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.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bojana M. Dinić
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Novi Sad, Serbia
| | - Tara Bulut Allred
- Laboratory for Research of Individual Differences, Faculty of Philosophy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Boban Petrović
- Institute of Criminological and Sociological Research, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Anja Wertag
- Institute of Social Sciences Ivo Pilar, Zagreb, Croatia
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
The Dark Tetrad in Tinder: hook-up app for high psychopathy individuals, and a diverse utilitarian tool for Machiavellians? CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-019-00589-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
AbstractLocation-based on-line dating applications are a popular tool for initiating short and long-term relationships. Besides seeking for partners, people use these applications for a myriad of other reasons. We investigated how the Dark Tetrad of personality, controlling for sex, age, and trolling tendencies, related to different motives for using Tinder. Current or former Tinder users (N = 216) completed online scales for Tinder use motivations, trolling, sadism, and the Dark Triad (Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy). Using Tinder for acquiring sexual experience was related to being male and being high in psychopathy. Psychopathy was positively correlated with using Tinder to distract oneself from other tasks (e.g., procrastination). Higher Machiavellianism and being female were related to peer pressure as a Tinder use motivation. Using Tinder for acquiring social or flirting skills had a negative relationship with narcissism, and positive relationship with Machiavellianism. Finally, Machiavellianism was also a significant, positive predictor of Tinder use for social approval and to pass the time. Results indicate that individuals high in Machiavellianism use Tinder for a number of utilitarian reasons, whereas the main motive for high psychopathy individuals is hook-up for casual sex.
Collapse
|