Authors: Rebecca Dcunha and Ankita Das

ABSTRACT

Personality traits play an important role in shaping interpersonal relationships which include Dark Triad traits which are often associated with maladaptive relational outcomes. The present study delved the relationship between Dark Triad personality traits- videlicet egocentrism, Machiavellianism, and psychopathy- and romantic relationship satisfaction, with attachment style proposed as an interceding variable. Given the growing body of literature pressing the interpersonal consequences of socially aversive personality traits, this study aimed to explore the underpinning mechanisms through which similar traits impact romantic relationship issues among youthful grown-ups in India. A quantitative cross-sectional correlational exploration design was employed, and data were collected through an online survey administered through Google Forms. The sample comprised youth between 18-30 years among the Indian population using convenience sampling. Participants completed a set of standardized tone- report measures assessing Dark Triad personality traits, attachment styles, and relationship satisfaction.

Contrary to theoretical prospects, the results revealed that Dark Triad personality traits weren’t significantly associated with either attachment styles or relationship satisfaction. Likewise, attachment style did not significantly intervene the relationship between Dark Triad traits and relationship satisfaction. These null findings suggest that the associations between socially aversive personality traits and romantic relationship issues may be more nuanced and environment-dependent than being theoretical frameworks proposed.
The findings of the study contribute to a better understanding of the complexity of the underlying mechanisms
through which socially aversive personality traits influence romantic relationship outcomes among young
adults