The Impact of the Dark Tetrad on couple relationships in the light of affective temperaments
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17627/ALKPSZICH.2025.2.127Keywords:
Dark Tetrad, Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, sadism, affective temperament, love attitude, breakup strategy, infidelityAbstract
Background and Aims: Dark personality traits (Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism) are also present in the general population and can have a significant impact on romantic relationships. Our study aimed to explore the associations between these traits and affective temperaments (depressive, cyclothymic, hyperthymic, irritable, and anxious) in the context of romantic relationships, with particular focus on love attitudes, breakup strategies, and attitudes toward infidelity.
Methods: A sample of 203 participants, recruited online, completed the Short Dark Tetrad Questionnaire, the Hungarian version of the TEMPS-A temperament questionnaire, the Love Attitudes Questionnaire, the Breakup Strategies Questionnaire, the Infidelity Questionnaire, and demographic questions. Relationships among the variables were examined using mediation analyses, in which affective temperaments were included as predictors, Dark Tetrad traits as mediators, and relationship variables as outcome measures.
Results: Cyclothymic temperament showed positive associations with Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and sadism, and exerted indirect effects on Ludus and Mania love styles. Irritable temperament was positively related to narcissism, psychopathy, and sadism, and narcissism played a mediating role in the case of the Pragma love style. Hyperthymic temperament was positively associated with narcissism. Depressive temperament showed a significant relationship with the avoidance/withdrawal breakup strategy, while anxious temperament was positively related to the Agape love style. Among the Dark Tetrad traits, Machiavellianism was associated with the Ludus love style and manipulation, whereas psychopathy showed associations with the Mania, Storge, and Agape love styles.
Discussion: Our findings highlight the complex, relationship-shaping roles of dark personality traits and affective temperaments, emphasizing the importance of early emotional patterns in shaping relationship dynamics and the processes of breakup.
