Is Dark Triad related to regulatory focus on sexuality?

Abstract

Personality traits play an important role in shaping how individuals approach their sexual goals and regulate their sexual behavior. The present study (819 participants from Colombia) examined the association between different Dark Triad traits (i.e., Machiavellianism, narcissism, and psychopathy) and sexual regulatory focus, defined as a motivational orientation toward the pursuit of pleasure and rewards in sex (i.e., predominant focus on pleasure promotion) or the maintenance of safety and avoidance of negative health outcomes (i.e., predominant focus on disease prevention). We also explored whether these associations were moderated by gender. Results showed that all three Dark Triad traits were positively associated with promotion focus scores, and only psychopathy was negatively associated with prevention focus scores. Despite a priori gender differences in Dark Triad traits and promotion focus scores, we found no evidence of moderation by gender in any of the tested associations. Our findings suggest that Dark Triad traits shape individuals’ motives to pursue sexual pleasure or avoid sexual health threats, thus contributing to the literature on personality and sexuality. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.