Approach/avoidance tendencies in dark personalities

Although there are strong correlations among "dark" personalities (psychopathy, Machiavellianism, narcissism), they differ in important ways. The present study examined differences in approach vs. avoidance tendencies using Reinforcement Sensitivity Theory. A Structural Equations Model addressed the degree to which these variables differ in their associations with Behavioral Inhibition Systems (BIS) and Behavioral Activation Systems (BAS). Results showed predicted differences in Machiavellianism, subclinical psychopathy and narcissism, with respect to BIS and BAS. Specifically, Machiavellianism was positively associated with BIS, psychopathy was negatively associated with BIS, and narcissism was positively associated with certain aspects of BAS. Implications are discussed for the Dark Triad and the role of reinforcement in personality, more broadly. (C) 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.