A Network Analysis of the Associations Between the Dark Triad Traits and Domains of Emotional Functioning

Abstract

The aim of this study was to reexamine relationships between the Dark Triad traits and aspects of emotional functioning, such as emotional intelligence and empathy, as traits and abilities, by using a network analysis approach. The sample consisted of 359 Hungarians from Serbia. The results indicated that the optimal description of the network structure involved four communities: the Dark Triad traits, emotion recognition abilities as aspects of cognitive empathy, emotional intelligence traits and empathy and appraisal and expression of emotion in others as mainly traits of empathy focusing on others. Psychopathy and narcissism are central components connecting their Dark Triad community with emotional functioning communities. Psychopathy's main role stemmed from its negative relationship with emotional reactivity and recognising positive states, indicating emotional deficits in both trait and ability domains. On the other hand, narcissism had a positive relationship with the use of emotion to facilitate performance, but showed a negative relationship with recognising negative states, indicating a discrepancy between self-image and objective abilities. Machiavellianism showed weak relationships with emotional intelligence and empathy traits, but a non-significant one with the ability to recognise emotional states. Its strongest positive relationships were observed with cognitive empathy and the use of emotions to facilitate performance.