Dark Triad, aggressiveness and influence techniques in romantic relationships

According to Social Interaction Theory, aggression might be used as an effective influence technique. Previous research has also shown that it is related to Dark Triad traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy), which are also associated with increased use of techniques of social influence toward romantic partners. In a study including 171 participants aged 17-52 (M = 23.68, SD = 6.93), we tested the hypothesis that (1) dark personality traits could be related to the increased tendency to use sequential social influence techniques (SSIT) toward romantic partners; however, (2) part of this relationship could be explained by aggressiveness. Results confirmed our predictions and showed that aggressiveness was positively related to the use of these techniques and that Machiavellianism, among three dark traits, had the strongest effect on the use of SSIT, but this effect was decreased when aggressiveness was included in the model. These results widened the knowledge about predictors of SSIT in romantic relationships and emphasized the role of aggressiveness as a form of selfenhancement.